Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 8.14 p.m. on Friday, March 18, in the vicinity east of the Concourse section of The Bronx. On arrival at 8.16 p.m., firefighters found a fire in the basement of a 5-story, multiple dwelling at 1242 Morris Avenue.

 

The FDNY confirmed that all hands were used, with 12 units dispatched, comprising 60 firefighters. There were no injuries resulting from the fire, and the cause is still under investigation according to department officials. The fire was brought under control at 8:41 p.m.

 

As reported, a number of new laws relating to fire safety have been introduced at various levels of government following the Twin Parks fire tragedy in January 2022.

Bronx All Hands Box 2572, 1242 MORRIS AVE, MULTIPLE DWELLING A, BASEMENT

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 19, 2022

 

Meanwhile, District 11 City Councilman Eric Dinowitz hosted a virtual, fire safety session in conjunction with the FDNY on Feb. 28. Firefighter, Zachary Bitzer, reminded residents to plug space heaters, air conditioners or other electrical appliances into a wall socket rather than into an extension lead. He said space heaters should also be kept three feet away from anything combustible. If a unit is getting too hot, it should be replaced. Bitzer said space heaters should be shut off when they are not being used, when residents are sleeping, or when they go out.

 

Electrical cords and cables should run over and not under rugs and carpets. If there’s an issue with the cord (frayed), it will make contact with the rug and may cause a fire. Bitzer said cooking should be a kid-free zone and encouraged residents to always have two over mitts to hand. Pots and pans should have proper fitting lids which will cut off the oxygen if the fire starts in the pot or pan, while the mitt protects the person from getting burn as they place the lid on the pot or pan. Tight arm-fitting clothing should also be work when cooking to avoid any accidents and handles should be turned inwards on the stove. Further tips can be found at FDNYsmart.org.

Bronx All Hands Box 2572, 1242 MORRIS AVE, MULTIPLE DWELLING A, BASEMENT , Under Control

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 19, 2022

 

Bitzer also highlighted the importance of placing smoke detectors in every room in a home. Residents can get a free smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector through the #GetAlarmedNYC program provided by FDNY and the Red Cross. For more information, call Red Cross at (877) 733-2767 or visit http://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/greater-new-york/home-fire-preparedness-campaign.