A five-alarm inferno fueled by volatile lithium batteries tore through three Bronx homes Sunday evening, leaving 13 brave firefighters injured with one heroic first responder fighting for his life in critical condition.
Key Takeaways
- A devastating fire in the Bronx injured 13 firefighters, one critically, as the blaze spread across three multifamily homes in University Heights
- Lithium batteries from motorized devices appear to have contributed to the rapid spread and stubborn nature of the fire, complicating firefighting efforts
- 198 FDNY personnel responded to the five-alarm fire that began at 7:24 p.m. on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace
- Neighbors assisted in evacuating elderly and mobility-impaired residents before firefighters arrived, ensuring no civilian fatalities
- The Red Cross is currently assisting displaced families while the FDNY’s Lithium-Ion Task Force joins the investigation into the cause
Devastating Fire Engulfs Bronx Neighborhood
The fierce blaze erupted Sunday evening at 7:24 p.m. on the first floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in the University Heights section of the Bronx, rapidly escalating to a five-alarm fire that engulfed two neighboring structures. The New York Fire Department deployed 198 firefighters to battle the stubborn flames, which were intensified by the presence of lithium batteries from electric scooters and other motorized devices stored in the residence. These increasingly common power sources have become a serious fire hazard across New York City, creating exceptionally dangerous conditions for both residents and first responders.
The human toll of the blaze includes thirteen injured firefighters, one of whom remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Four FDNY EMS paramedics also sustained injuries while responding to the emergency. The disaster displaced multiple families from their homes, forcing them to seek temporary shelter with assistance from the Red Cross. Despite the extensive property damage and injuries to emergency personnel, the swift evacuation of civilians prevented any resident fatalities—a small mercy amid the devastation.
Community Heroes Emerge During Crisis
Before firefighters arrived on scene, neighbors sprang into action to help vulnerable residents escape the rapidly spreading flames. “They were helping some old lady, she had an oxygen tank and a walker, they were helping them out,” said Jay Lopez, a witness to the community rescue efforts.
These spontaneous acts of heroism likely saved lives, particularly among elderly and mobility-impaired residents who might have struggled to evacuate independently as the intense flames rapidly consumed the structures.
“They have a lot of old scooters on the porch. So maybe one of the batteries? We don’t know. The fire was in the front, the whole front. They couldn’t get in, the fire was in the front of it, blowing up,” said Zona Williams, a local resident.
The preliminary investigation suggests the lithium batteries contributed significantly to both the initial outbreak and the fire’s unusual resistance to suppression efforts. Local residents reported seeing multiple electric scooters stored on the porch of the home where the fire originated, raising concerns about proper storage and charging practices for these increasingly popular transportation devices. This tragedy highlights yet again the growing danger posed by the proliferation of lithium battery-powered devices in dense urban residential areas.
FDNY Response and Ongoing Investigation
The FDNY has established a specialized Lithium-Ion Task Force to address the rising number of battery-related fires across the city. This incident marks another in an alarming trend of similar fires that have plagued New York neighborhoods. The specialized unit conducts inspections and develops protocols for handling these particularly dangerous blazes, which often resist conventional firefighting techniques. As battery-powered mobility devices continue to grow in popularity, the department faces mounting challenges in protecting the public from their potential hazards.
Investigators are still working to determine the precise cause of the fire, though the involvement of lithium batteries seems increasingly likely based on witness accounts and the fire’s characteristics. The FDNY’s fire marshals continue to sift through the charred remains of the structures, collecting evidence that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the injured firefighters’ brothers and sisters in uniform maintain a vigil for their critically wounded colleague, demonstrating the deep bonds of loyalty that unite these courageous public servants who risk everything to keep our communities safe.
