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Bronx Five-Alarm Fire Kills 2, Injures 11, Triggers Full Vacate Order

Investigators are probing what fueled the fast spread in the century-old, non-fireproof structure.

Overview

  • The five-story mixed-use building at 660 East 187th Street, which erupted Tuesday afternoon, drew a fifth alarm and roughly 270 FDNY and EMS personnel.
  • Two civilians were killed and at least 11 people were injured, including five firefighters, with two patients reported in serious condition.
  • Portions of the roof and the main stairwell collapsed, forcing crews to fight from outside and to pull residents from windows and fire escapes by ladder.
  • The Department of Buildings declared the structure unsafe and issued a full vacate order, displacing about 76 to 80 residents who are receiving help from NYC Emergency Management and the Red Cross.
  • Fire marshals are working to determine the cause as officials note the 100-plus-year-old, non-fireproof building had hidden voids that let flames race upward.