Devastating Five-Alarm Fire in the Bronx Displaces Hundreds and Injures Seven
Devastating Five-Alarm Fire in the Bronx Displaces Hundreds and Injures Seven
Devastating Five-Alarm Fire in the Bronx Displaces Hundreds and Injures Seven
In the early hours of Friday, January 10, 2025, a catastrophic five-alarm fire engulfed a six-story apartment building at 2910 Wallace Avenue in the East Bronx, New York City. The blaze resulted in seven reported injuries and displaced over 250 residents, including 57 children.
Incident Overview
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) received reports of the fire shortly after 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense flames concentrated in the “cockloft,” the space between the top-floor ceiling and the roof. Strong winds exacerbated the situation, facilitating the rapid spread of the fire and complicating containment efforts. The inferno destroyed all top-floor apartments and severely damaged the roof before being brought under control just before 2 p.m.
Injuries and Displacement
Seven individuals sustained minor injuries, comprising five firefighters and two civilians. The extensive damage rendered the building uninhabitable, displacing more than 250 residents. Emergency response teams, including over 200 firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, were deployed to manage the crisis. The New York City Emergency Management and the American Red Cross have established temporary shelters at P.S. 76 Bennington School to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
Resident Concerns and Landlord History
Tenants have raised serious concerns regarding the building’s safety measures. Several residents reported that no fire alarms were activated during the incident, hindering timely evacuation. Additionally, the building’s landlord, Parkash Management, owned by Ved Parkash, has a controversial history. In 2015, Parkash was labeled the city’s “worst landlord” due to numerous maintenance violations across his properties. Residents have criticized the landlord for longstanding neglect and inadequate maintenance, which they believe contributed to the severity of the fire’s impact.
Community Response and Support
In the aftermath of the disaster, community organizations and local authorities have mobilized to support displaced residents. Temporary shelters have been set up, and efforts are underway to provide food, clothing, and essential services. The FDNY has also issued advisories urging residents to exercise caution with heating devices, especially during the cold winter months, to prevent similar tragedies.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials are examining the building’s infrastructure, safety compliance records, and the circumstances that allowed the fire to spread so rapidly. The role of the strong winds during the incident is also a focal point in understanding the fire’s progression.
Conclusion
This devastating incident underscores the critical importance of stringent building maintenance, effective safety measures, and prompt emergency response. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the displaced families and ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur in the future.