A massive three-alarm fire tore through a three-story home in the Bronx on Friday, prompting a large FDNY response and a defensive firefighting operation after part of the building collapsed.
Nearly 200 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to a raging three-alarm fire Friday afternoon at a private residence on East 160th Street in the Bronx, according to the New York City Fire Department.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames consuming the three-story dwelling and immediately launched an aggressive interior attack to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.
“We had heavy fire on arrival, and the engine companies stretched hoselines into that fire very aggressively, which likely prevented the fire from extending,” Deputy Assistant Chief John Corcoran said.
The fire quickly escalated, drawing approximately 65 FDNY and EMS units to the scene.
Crews Conducted Searches as Fire Spread
While engine companies battled the flames, ladder companies, rescue units, and squad companies searched the building for potential occupants.
“The ladder companies, rescue companies and squad companies also conducted aggressive searches for life throughout the building,” Corcoran said.
Officials did not report finding any trapped residents inside the structure.
Rear Wall Collapses During Firefight
As firefighters worked inside the building, conditions deteriorated when a rear wall of the fire-damaged structure suddenly collapsed.
Following an assessment of the situation, FDNY commanders ordered all personnel out of the building.
Operations then shifted from an interior attack to a defensive strategy, with crews battling the remaining fire from outside the structure.
Firefighters continued extinguishing pockets of fire while monitoring the stability of the building.
No Injuries Reported
Despite the dangerous conditions and structural collapse, FDNY officials said no civilians or emergency responders were injured.
Approximately 190 firefighters, EMS personnel, and support staff responded to the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Key Points
• A three-alarm fire heavily damaged a three-story home on East 160th Street in the Bronx.
• A rear wall of the building collapsed during firefighting operations, forcing crews to evacuate the structure.
• Nearly 200 FDNY and EMS personnel responded, and no injuries were reported.