Bronx, NY – A five-alarm fire tore through a mixed-use building at 1365 Findlay Avenue earlier this month, injuring one civilian and two firefighters as more than 200 members of the New York City Fire Department worked to contain the blaze. Officials said illegally parked vehicles on fire hydrants significantly slowed response efforts.
Fire units arrived on scene just after 3:15 a.m. to find heavy flames inside a deli on the first floor, which quickly extended through all five stories of the building and into a small adjoining section next door. Crews faced icy conditions but were most hampered by three vehicles blocking access to fire hydrants.
Chief of Department John Esposito said the obstruction delayed operations during the critical early minutes of the response. “Our firefighters are very good, but it does delay us,” Esposito said. “Those cars that were parked on hydrants are being ticketed and towed.”
- Five-alarm fire breaks out at Bronx building early Monday
- Three vehicles blocking hydrants delayed firefighting response
- One civilian and two firefighters injured with minor injuries
The fire was declared under control at 7:12 a.m. FDNY Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of the blaze and reminding residents that parking on hydrants is both dangerous and illegal.
