The New York City Fire Department has launched a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the third-alarm fire that broke out late last night at 1022 Woodycrest Ave. in the Highbridge section of The Bronx. The FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Investigation, led by Chief Fire Marshal Louis Garcia, are continuing to investigate at the scene which includes conducting interviews and evaluating evidence.
Below is a preliminary update based on the evidence so far:
· The fire in the 4-story building was first reported at 11:08 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7. A neighbor across from the fire building first called 911. The first firefighters arrived at 3 minutes and 23 seconds after the first call. Upon the arrival of firefighters, the fire had spread from the first floor (grade level) to the second floor including the staircase.
· When firefighters entered the dwelling, they were confronted by heavy fire and smoke conditions on the first two floors. The fire was brought under control at 1:06 a.m. Approximately 33 units and 140 firefighters responded.
· Fire marshals have interviewed a woman who lived on the first floor, and she stated she awoke to flames near her bed. She evacuated with a 5-year-old child and returned with other adults in an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the fire.
· Fire marshals have determined the cause of the fire is an overheated appliance cord (space heater). The fire started on the first floor.
· A total of 17 people suffered injuries as a result of the fire. Eight children, including males, ages 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, and 6 months old, and females, ages 3, 6 months old and a 42-year-old woman, died as a result of their injuries.
· Currently, there are three female children, ages 5, 6, and 8, in critical condition at Jacobi Medical Center in The Bronx.
· Other victims involved in the fire include two female children, ages 3 and 4, a 15-year-old male, a 24-year-old female and a 35-year-old female. The victims suffered minor injuries and have received treatment at the scene and at local hospitals. In addition, four firefighters and an EMS supervisor who responded to the fire suffered minor injuries and were treated at Jacobi Medical Center.
· Two smoke alarms were found inside the building, but they did not contain batteries.
· Fire safety tips can be found on the FDNY’s Web site at www.nyc.gov/fdny