By Laura French
NEW YORK — The FDNY brought attention to the risks of blocking fire hydrants following a blaze in the Bronx that killed an elderly woman and injured 12 other people, including a firefighter, on Wednesday morning.
About 130 firefighters responded to the three-alarm blaze that started on the third floor of a six-story apartment building, according to the FDNY.
“On arrival, they were met with a heavy fire condition that had already extended into the hallway and up through an interior void. This resulted in heavy smoke conditions on all floors above the fire,” FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Ajello said in a statement from the scene.
Three unconscious residents were rescued by ladder from the building. One of those residents, a 91-year-old woman, was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to PIX11.
In total, 11 other civilians and one firefighter were injured. The firefighter’s injuries were reportedly minor. Two of the residents were transported in critical condition, officials said.
Later Wednesday morning, the FDNY posted photographs on Facebook of a vehicle blocking a fire hydrant at the scene of the blaze.
“FDNY urges New Yorkers to NEVER park on a fire hydrant. Blocking or obstructing a hydrant results in a delay in providing water to extinguish a fire. It is illegal to park within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant,” FDNY officials wrote.