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UPDATE Fordham Heights: 17 Die in Fire in Residential High Rise Caused by Electric Space Heater

Archive, Blog, FIres & Accidents, Kids, Latest, News, Safety
By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE
A fire at 333 E. 181st Street in Fordham Heights on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 has resulted in the death of 17 people according to AP, including 8 children. 
Photo courtesy of the Citizen’s App.

At least nine adults and eight children have died in a residential fire on the third floor of 333, E. 181st Street in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 9, according to a report from the AP which was later confirmed by the FDNY. Multiple other victims have been brought to various City hospitals in what has been described as one of the deadliest fires in the history of the City.

 

According to the FDNY, the 5-alarm blaze alarm was raised initially at around 11 a.m. as a 2-alarm fire, and was later brought under control at around 1.27 p.m. Approximately 200 FDNY members responded to the scene and FDNY officials said there were [at least] 31 serious injuries to civilians.

 

The impacted building was built in 1972 and the fire was caused by an electric space heater, FDNY officials later confirmed.

 

The building is home to a large immigrant community and Mayor Eric Adams has urged those impacted not to be afraid to come forward to get help, adding that with the City facing multiple crises at once, it was “a significant moment to have a unification” among New Yorkers during what he called this time of tragedy.

 

“When there is a crisis in this City or State, we are coming together,” he said during a Sunday evening press briefing outside the impacted building location in the Bronx.

 

 

FDNY officials provided an overview of the situation at the press briefing which was also attended by the mayor, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), in whose district the building is located, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Councilman Oswald Feliz (C.D. 15) and other elected officials.

 

“The loss of one life is sad for us, much less 19 lives,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, who added that the victims were transported to hospitals all over the City. He said the alarm was raised by a resident who noticed a lot of smoke.

 

 

In response to a question about a possible faulty alarm system that frequently went off and if this had been the reason why perhaps there was a delay in reacting by some residents, the commissioner said he would look into it and could not yet confirm.

 

In December, the FDNY had warned New Yorkers that more than one third of home fires occur during the winter, and more than half of all fire deaths occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. “As the nights grow colder, remember to Close the Door as part of your escape plan,” officials warned.

 

New York City Department of Building (DOB) inspectors confirmed that department officials were at the scene to conduct structural stability inspections throughout the building, and assist with the ongoing investigation into the 5-alarm fire.

 

 

“It’s certainly traumatizing when we can’t save a life,” said Nigro in the context of the tragedy, adding that FDNY officials would receive counseling following the incident. He added that it had been a very difficult job for firefighters.

 

Asked where those affected would be staying in the next few days, an EMS representative said they would be staying in hotels until such time as the building was deemed safe.

 

For information about loved ones potentially impacted by the fire, people can call 311 or if outside NYC, call (212)-639-9675. Those affected can call the American Red Cross for temporary housing assistance at 1-877-733-2767.

 

The governor later tweeted of the tragedy, “I am horrified by the devastating fire in the Bronx today. My heart is with the loved ones of all those we’ve tragically lost, all of those impacted and with our heroic @FDNY firefighters.” She added, “The entire State of New York stands with New York City.”

 

 

The governor announced that she has also set up a Victim Compensation Fund as a part of the executive budget to help for the victims of the fire.

In a statement, New York City Public Advocate Jumanne Williams said, “My prayers for peace and comfort go to the family of each victim of today’s tragic fire in the Bronx, one of the deadliest in our city’s recent history.”

 

He added, “I offer heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of firefighters who risked their lives to battle severe smoke to save their fellow New Yorkers. Our city is better and safer because of your work each day, and many families will be able to hold their loved ones because of your bravery. As we move forward from this devastating loss, my office will be available to provide assistance as this community recovers from such a terrible tragedy.”

A message from Pope Francis via Cardinal Timothy Dolan regarding the Sunday’s Bronx fire in Fordham Heights.
Image courtesy of Cardinal Timothy Dolan

ABC News reported on Sunday that an estimated 54 people had been injured. Norwood News reached out to the FDNY for more information about the injured. The City later confirmed, via the 911 alert service, that 63 people had been injured, 32 of them with life-threatening injuries, 9 with serious but non life-threatening injuries, and 22 with non life-threatening injuries.

 

 

Later on Sunday, John Doyle, press representative for NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center, said, “Today’s fire was a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families of those affected. NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi received 19 patients. This is a difficult time for these patients, their families, and our community. We ask that you respect their privacy. We will provide an update tomorrow [Monday] morning.”

 

The hospital confirmed that of the 19 patients received, two have passed away, five are in critical condition, six are in fair condition, two are still being examined, and four have been discharged. On Monday, Jan. 10, Doyle provided the following update, “We have five patients who are all in serious condition. All other patients have been discharged or transferred to other facilities.  No change in the number of deceased patients (two).”

 

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set-up to help the victims of the tragedy. The Bronx Democratic Party also shared details of a drive in support of the victims later on Monday.

 

Separately, Troy Blackwell, who ran last year for the Bronx’s District 15 City Council seat which was ultimately won by Councilman Oswald Feliz, tweeted, “The fire in the #Bronx today is heartbreaking. Those looking to donate resources can do so at the Red Cross site located at PS 391 at 2190 Folin Street & Gambian Youth Organization at 214 E 181st Street. Folks in need of temp housing call: 877-733-2767 or txt 181STFIRE to 692692.”

 

According to a tweet by Blackwell, the firefighters, reportedly, kept trying to save people even though their oxygen tanks were running low on oxygen.

 

Also, on Sunday evening, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose office confirmed she has tested positive for COVID-19, issued a brief message, mourning the tragedy and loss of life, as reported.

 

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) also posted a message on Facebook, saying, “Sending love to everyone impacted by today’s devastating and heartbreaking fire in the Bronx. Our neighbors need us. If you live in or near Pelham, donations can be dropped off at The Picture House on 175 Wolfs Ln during and after business hours. For more info, call 914-738-7337!”

 

He added, “To assist families still recovering from the apartment fire that took place just after Christmas in Yonkers, donations can be made to San Andres Church on Post Street. For more info call 914-963-9523. This is a tough time for our neighbors. Let us come together and support them.”

 

The Bronx borough president later issued a statement saying, “I am heartbroken and saddened by the news of this morning’s horrific, 5-alarm fire in Belmont [Fordham Heights] that claimed the lives of 19 Bronxites in our community. Our team will do everything we can in the coming days to support and uplift the residents and their families that were affected by today’s tragedy at Twin Parks. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received and will be sharing updates. I am also thankful for our first responders and essential workers, who were on the frontlines responding immediately to the crisis, providing on-site support.”

 

She added, “Bronxites always put their best foot forward and show their resiliency and strength in the wake of tragedy. Please keep the families of those who have lost loved ones at 333 East 181st Street and our borough in prayer. We can only get through this together.”

 

Gibson concluded, “I thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, Sen. Schumer, Public Advocate Williams, City Comptroller Lander, Bronx District Attorney Clark, Congressman Torres, Council Member Feliz, Assembly Member Tapia and Sen. Rivera, as well as my colleagues from around the borough, City and State who have reached out to support those impacted in our borough.”

Flyer thanking volunteers for donating to the Bronx Fire Relief Fund. Only cash donations are now being accepted
Flyer courtesy of the Bronx Democratic Party

She then asked those impacted by the fire to follow the guidance of local officials on the ground and to refer to the following City services and resources.

“If you are looking for a loved one, call 311. Text 181STFIRE to 692692 for resources. The New York City Unified Victim Identification System (UVIS) has been activated in response to the incident. If you are concerned about the welfare of someone who may have been affected by the event and are unable to contact them, please call 311. From outside of NYC, you may call (212) 639-9675.”

 

She added, “Those affected who need a place to stay can call The Red Cross for emergency temporary shelter at 1-877-733-2767. Additional information about services and ways to help will be available to New Yorkers will be added at www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/east-181-street-bronx-fire.page and www1.nyc.gov/site/fund/initiatives/bronx-apartment-building-fire.page.”

 

The fire was not the only one in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx on Sunday. At 2.24 a.m., earlier that morning, all hands were asked by FDNY to respond to a fire in a multiple dwelling at 2230 Grand Concourse. The fire was brought under control at around 5.12 a.m. the same day.

 

Later on Sunday, after the 333, E. 181st Street fire was already in progress, a further call went out by FDNY asking for all hands to respond to another nearby fire, also in a multiple dwelling, at 2259 Creston Avenue, also in Fordham Heights, which was also later brought under control.

 

Meanwhile, in Allerton, another fire was reported on Sunday, at 2.59 a.m., at 1086 Arnow Avenue in a private dwelling. FDNY confirmed that that fire was later brought under control at 3.14 a.m.

 

We are continuing to follow up with the FDNY on the causes of these fires.

 

Pope Francis sent a special message to the victims via Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Monday, Jan. 10.

 

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story included a reference to the first fire alarm tweet going out just before noon. In fact, the first tweet from FDNY Alerts which made reference to a 2-alarm fire went out at just after 11 a.m., and subsequent tweets, including one just before noon, raised the alarm to a 5-alarm fire. We apologize for this earlier miscommunication. This story has been updated to revise the current death toll from 19 to 17, following confirmation from Mayor Eric Adams. 

 

 

Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.

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