Authorities have indicated that a space heater may be to blame for the five-alarm fire that broke out in a Brooklyn 19-story apartment complex Sunday morning. Authorities are also investigating whether a lack of proper safety measures played a role in the horrific events.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning on the third floor and spread throughout the rest of the building. At least 17 individuals including eight children died because of the blaze. At least 15 more are still in critical condition and dozens more sustained injuries due to the smoke. Authorities share that the smoke spread throughout the building on the stairwell and that the injuries sustained were because of smoke inhalation. Residents, including some who died, went into cardiac arrest according to officials. Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro shared that the smoke conditions in the building were “unprecedented.”
Authorities detail that while the fire started on the third floor, the fire itself was largely contained. However, smoke traveled throughout the 19-story building causing all the residents to be subject to dangerous smoke levels. Firefighters on the scene share that there were victims on every floor as they worked to pull victims from the building.
As investigators continue to look into the fire and how it managed to cause so much destruction so quickly, there was increased scrutiny about the safety and maintenance of the building. Investigators with the fire department tested the doors throughout the building and noted that a majority of them automatically closed as New York City Law requires. However, there were a couple of doors that did not close as they were supposed to according to officials.
The building's owners have shared through emails that the building doors were self-closing as required. They also share that in July, maintenance was done to repair a lock on the door that was said to have been open when the fire began.
Mayor Eric Adams was at the scene of the fire and shared with the community, “This is a horrific, horrific, painful moment for the City of New York, and the impact of this fire is going to really bring a level of just pain and despair in our city. The numbers are horrific. We have over 32 people who are life-threatening at this time. We have nine serious injuries, 22 injuries that are not life-threatening, with over 63 people in total.”
Officials detail the building was home to many African Muslims. Mayor Adams has vowed to give all the residents relief as they begin to move forward. Adams also noted that the immigration status of the residents will not be questioned.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson echoed that sentiment. “We will await the findings of this investigation but the immediate concern is the safety of all the residents,” Gibson shared. “We’re going to take care of every single resident that lives here at Twin Parks … We will get all the resources on the ground that we need to help you and your children.”
