Overview
- The five-alarm fire that struck a Belmont apartment building Tuesday killed two people, injured about a dozen including five firefighters, and displaced roughly 80 residents.
- FDNY leaders said several open doors created a wind-driven “flow path” that pushed flames through hallways and up the stairs.
- Investigators cited the fire apartment door, the building’s front door, and the roof bulkhead door as the key openings that let the fire race beyond the unit of origin.
- The two victims were found in stairwells after heat and smoke surged up the compromised interior stairs, as firefighters made multiple ladder and fire escape rescues.
- Firefighters arrived in under four minutes to heavy fire on several floors, and city and Red Cross teams are helping displaced families as FDNY urges residents to close doors and keep fire escapes clear.