Four-Alarm Fire In Bay Ridge Apartment Building

A four-alarm fire at an apartment building on Third Avenue near 68th Street in Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section has left dozens of families homeless. The fire started before midnight in the first floor deli; WABC 7 reports, "Flames spread through all four floors, finally shooting through the roof in an inferno that lit up the night sky. Officials say dozens of residents were forced to flee, many with young children." And according to WCBS 2, "Fire officials say the fire ripped through all 15 apartment, causing significant damage... Deputy Fire Chief James Leonard says the heat and humidity, and a costly delayed call to 911, made for a difficult night fighting the flames." The Red Cross is assisting families with shelter. Additionally, a number of firefighters were injured and the FDNY will be investigating the blaze.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on July 30, 2009 8:10 AM

Comments [rss]

nightcrawler

I dont get it either. An apartment across the street from me went on fire in a mans bedroom from smoking, he died, but the fire never spread to any other room. The apartment upstairs was not damaged at all. The fire dept was here I'm assuming in a matter of miuntes.

How does it spread so fast in one building and not another.

I do not understand.

Unfortunetelt this on since it was the first floor and maybe no one noticed it until it was too far gone. I just dont know.

I am sorry though for all the families.

SnackRabbit

It is so strange. The firehouse is only 200 yards away, within line of sight.

kc2slg

I heard that the FDNY response was delayed because they got bad information from 911. If you need the FDNY, don't call 911. Call the fire dispatchers directly: Bronx 718-999-4444, Brooklyn 718-999-3333, Manhattan 212-999-2222, Queens 718-999-5555, SI 718-999-6666.