A major, multi-departmental response to a 5-alarm, residential fire with injuries is underway in Norwood after a reported explosion at 374 East 209th Street between Decatur Avenue and Parkside Place on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5.

 

A fire department spokesperson said they received a call for a reported explosion on the third floor of 374 East 209th Street between Decatur Ave and Parkside Place at 12.26 p.m. on Wednesday. They said fire was confirmed on the second and third floors of the 5-story, multiple dwelling.

Fire response on E Gun Hill near the fire at 374 East 209th Street, Norwood, Aug. 5, 2026 V2

The spokesperson said a second alarm was transmitted at 12.37 p.m., a third at 12.47 p.m. a fourth at 1.09 p.m. and a fifth alarm was transmitted at 1.45 p.m. An FDNY spokesperson said that 84 units, comprising  270 Fire/EMS personnel have responded to the scene.

According to EMS, the total patient count is 11, including two civilians with life-threatening injuries, one civilian with serious injuries, five civilians with minor injuries and three firefighters with serious injuries.

Fire response on E Gun Hill near the fire at 374 East 209th Street, Norwood, Aug. 5, 2026 V3

Operations are ongoing. Many streets around the area including a section of Webster Avenue are occupied by emergency vehicles. It is recommended that traffic avoid the area.

Butta, a witness to the fire at 374 E 209th Street in Norwood, The Bronx following an explosion Aug. 5, 2026, describes what she saw. V4

One woman said several pets were trapped inside Apartment BB on the ground floor level. A police officer at the scene said the fire department had already completed a check of all floors.

 

Norwood News has followed up with animal welfare groups to see if anything further can be done.

 

One young man called Hakiem who lives in the affected building who was seen in shock and crying on the phone nearby at the scene told Norwood News, “So, the explosion happened. I was going to the store originally so I was in the house. I live right across (the corridor) from the explosion. Iive on the second floor.” Hakiem proceeded to break down as he recounted what happened.

 

“Luckily, I have a higher power and I believe in God ’cause he told me not to forget my key and as I turned around, and I guess her door flew into my door, and my door literally flies past my face,” he said, breaking down again as he started to answer calls from friends asking if he was ok.

 

We asked Hakiem if he should maybe get checked out by a health professional. “Nothing hit me. That has to be God, like I said,” he said, his voice shaking. “I just want my stuff because I work so hard for everything.”

 

Hakiem continued, “I just don’t know where I’m going to live…” We mentioned that the Red Cross was onsite to help with emergency accommodation. “They’re busy,” he said. “They’re still trying to figure out [inaudible] the fire.. I don’t see them talking to people.. ” Hakiem continued to weep, clearly very distraught.

The Red Cross later told Norwood News, “After the fire on East 209^th Street in The Bronx, the American Red Cross is on scene to register residents for emergency assistance. As of 5:15 pm, the Red Cross has registered 10 households (19 people) for emergency assistance, including temporary lodging and other services.”

The representative added, “Together with NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) a Reception Center is now open at: P.S. 56, 341 E 207th St., Bronx, NY,  here residents can meet and register with the Red Cross. Registration continues.”

The rep said she would provide another update at 5.50 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. when the reception center will close.

Any residents impacted by this fire who need help with their recovery and have not yet connected with the Red Cross should contact 877-RED CROSS (877-733-2767), according to the Red Cross.