Thirteen Bravest were injured, including one critically, after a five-alarm blaze tore through three homes in the Bronx Sunday, the FDNY said.
The fire started at 7:24 p.m. on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in University Heights and quickly spread to the homes on either side, the FDNY said.
Jose Martinez, who lives across the street from where the fire started, told Bronx 12 that he heard people screaming, “Fire!” and ran out to see it already raging.
“It was like a movie,” he said.
Flames roared out of the three homes as 198 firefighters worked desperately to keep the flames from spreading. Clouds of smoke could be seen billowing into the air as the Bravest aimed their hoses at the inferno from ladders.
The fire involved lithium batteries, according to ABC 7, but it is unclear whether they caused the fire. Blazes involving lithium batteries burn faster and hotter than traditional fires.
The FDNY launched its Lithium-Ion Task Force to conduct inspections throughout the five boroughs.
One resident, four paramedics and nine firefighters were injured battling the fast-moving blaze, according to the FDNY. Paramedics rushed one injured smoke-eater on a stretcher amid the chaos to an awaiting ambulance.
Concerned firefighters later arrived at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital to visit the injured Bravest, who remained in critical condition.
The injuries could have been much worse if it were not for quick-thinking neighbors who helped lead residents to safety, including older residents who rely on walkers and scooters for mobility.
“They were helping some old lady,” Jay Lopez told ABC 7. “She had an oxygen tank and a walker, they was helping them out.”
The Fire Marshals are investigating what caused the fire. The Red Cross was on scene helping residents who lost their homes.
Additional reporting by David Burns
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