A fatal fire in the Unionport section of the southeast Bronx has claimed the lives of four people, including three children, police said.

 

An NYPD spokesperson said the department was advised of the incident on Sunday, Oct. 30, at around 6.03 a.m. Officers from the 43rd Precinct responded to a call regarding a residential fire inside 2165 Quimby Avenue.

They said FDNY personnel were at the scene, and extinguished the fire. They recovered a total of six aided individuals from inside the location. A 12-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy were pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS.

Make safety your number one priority no matter how low the temperature dips. Be #FDNYSmart – NEVER use your oven or stoveto heat your home. For more fire and life safety tips visit https://t.co/NpwdRdlElY pic.twitter.com/C4NlmABrvE

— FDNY (@FDNY) October 30, 2022

 

“The four additional aided individuals were transported by EMS to NYC Health + Hospitals/ Jacobi, where a 21-year-old female and a 41-year-old male are listed in critical condition and a 22-year-old male and 10-month-old female were both pronounced deceased,” police said.

A FIRE OFFICIAL responds to reporters’ questions at the sight of a fatal fire at 2165 Quimby Avenue in the Unionport section of The Bronx which claimed the lives of four people on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. Video courtesy of the Citizens’ App

FDNY assistant chief, Kevin Brennan, updated the media on the incident later on Sunday morning, saying, “At approximately 0600 hours this morning, we received a 911 call for a fire at this location. Units arrived in a little over four minutes and found heavy fire on the first and second floors.”

#FDNY Assistant Chief Kevin Brennan provides an update on this morning’s 2-alarm fire which killed three people at 2165 Quimby Avenue in the Bronx. Read more: https://t.co/DyABVdk3Mb pic.twitter.com/h8H6tMzrJu

— FDNY (@FDNY) October 30, 2022

 

He continued, “We immediately went to work removing some of the victims, and a 2nd alarm was quickly transmitted. FDNY Fire Marshals are currently investigating the cause of the fire.”

Teach children to NEVER play with fire. Store matches and lighters out of sight and reach, and teach children that fire is not a toy.

See more #FDNYSmart tips, including videos, podcasts, and the free Official FDNY Activity Book for Kids, at https://t.co/k3iHvX6Fa8 pic.twitter.com/TsT7LA3VZk

— FDNY (@FDNY) October 30, 2022

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson later released a statement on the tragedy, saying, “Today is a sad day for our Castle Hill community as we learned of an early morning two-alarm residential fire that has left us in mourning. We are heartbroken at the loss of lives, including children and those residents who are in the hospital with serious injuries. Our office has been on the scene this morning with local elected officials and will work closely to help support all impacted families.”

Gibson continued, “Sadly, we are reminded of the horrific residential fires in our borough that have taken too many lives and have left us collectively traumatized. We are, however, grateful for the swift response of our first responders, the FDNY, NYPD, Emergency Management, and the Department of Buildings. As the investigation is underway into the cause of this fire, we ask all Bronxites to join us in praying for our neighbors. We lift our families up and pray for healing and strength.”

Stopped by @NYPD43Pct. Inspector Ramsey has an amazing story — a former rapper who spent over 40 years in the community is now back as the Commanding Officer. pic.twitter.com/bd0vY04IUL

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 30, 2022

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who had been attending a DOT event in Manhattan earlier in the day, later visited the site of the Bronx fire on Sunday afternoon, and also stopped by the 43rd Precinct.

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) tweeted on the incident, writing, “Absolutely devastating. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those we lost in this tragedy. Thank you to the first responders for their swift response to this incident.”

 

Meanwhile, District 18 City Council Member Amanda Farías released the following statement.

My Statement on the Quimby Avenue fire in #CD18.

Details to follow. If you have any information please call or email our office 718-792-1140 or district18@council.nyc.gov pic.twitter.com/jFL4P3hvpX

— Council Member Amanda Farías (@CMAmandaFarias) October 30, 2022

 

The investigation is ongoing.

 

The identities of the deceased are pending proper family notification.