Fire rips through the top-floor of 2854 Briggs Avenue at East 198 Street on Tuesday, December 13. Photo by Jimmy Velez
by David Greene
An elderly woman and 7 firefighters were injured when fire ripped through the top floor of one home and extended to at least one other.
Fire and rescue personnel were dispatched to the two and-a-half story home at 2854 Briggs Avenue, at East 198 Street in Bedford Park at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13.
The fire quickly spread to an adjacent home at 2856 Briggs Avenue.
More than 150 firefighters battled the blaze along Briggs Avenue in Bedford Park. Photo by Jimmy Velez
According to area resident Jimmy Velez, who snapped several photos of the scene on his cellphone, claimed there was a delay of several minutes before firefighters could get water on the fire, stating, “They thought the fire was coming from a different house, because the smoke was coming from the back.”
Witnessing the injured being removed from the home, Velez recalled, “They pulled out seven firefighters who got hurt and then they brought out the old lady,” adding that the victim was not seriously injured.
Firefighters investigate a Bedford Park blaze that injured one resident and 7 firefighters. Photo by Andre Rivera
The FDNY reported that the fire was brought under control at 1:22 p.m. and all of the injured were removed to area hospitals, none of those injuries were considered life threatening.
Officials reported 170 members from 40 units battled the blaze that destroyed both homes. Firefighters also rescued several cats from one of the fire building’s.
The American Red Cross of Greater New York was assisting at least 10 people from 5 families who were displaced by the fire.
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