Overview
- The blaze at 660 East 187th Street, reported Tuesday afternoon, grew to five alarms and swept through a five-story building with shops below and apartments above.
- Officials confirmed two civilian deaths and 11 injuries, including five firefighters, with two people listed in serious condition.
- FDNY leaders said a large section of the roof and much of the stairwell collapsed, forcing crews to shift to exterior operations for safety.
- More than 270 fire and EMS personnel responded, and NYC Emergency Management and the American Red Cross are helping residents, with a reception center open at Dodge High School.
- Fire marshals have not determined a cause, and officials noted the century-old, non-fireproof structure with hidden voids and open stairways can let flames race between floors and complicate rescues.