The New York City Fire Department reported that several deaths in a recent five-alarm fire in the Bronx might have been prevented if doors within the affected building had been closed. The fire broke out Tuesday in a five-story apartment building on East 187th Street in the Belmont neighborhood. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes of the fire’s start.
An investigation by the FDNY found that multiple doors, including the one to the apartment where the fire originated, were left open. According to officials, these open doors likely contributed to the rapid spread of smoke and flames throughout the building, complicating evacuation and rescue efforts.
The fire escalated quickly to a five-alarm status, drawing extensive resources from the FDNY. While the department has not released specific details about the number of casualties or injuries, they emphasized the importance of closing doors as a critical safety measure during residential fires.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about fire safety protocols in multi-unit residential buildings. Fire officials routinely advise residents to close doors behind them when evacuating or upon discovering a fire, as this can slow the fire’s progress and reduce smoke inhalation risks.
The FDNY continues its investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential code violations. Meanwhile, public safety campaigns are expected to reinforce door-closing as a key recommendation for residents in fire emergencies.