Snowstorm Puts FDNY To The Test; 16 Injured In Eastchester Bay Blaze
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Thursday's extreme weather made it difficult for firefighters in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx.
Getting water to a blaze proved to be a challenge.
Just before 9:30 a.m. flames shot through the roof of a multi-family home on Dean Avenue in Eastchester Bay.
"You could smell it from like five, six blocks over," one resident told CBS 2's Maggie Ruper.
Some of the people who lived in the home were forced on to the balconies to wait to be rescued.
"They were standing on the porch and I don't even know how they were standing there because the smoke was pitch black," neighbor Philip Garbarino said.
In all, 16 people were injured, including six firefighters, Ruper reported. The FDNY told 1010 WINS three people suffered serious, but non life-threatening injuries. Six others suffered minor injuries, 1010 WINS reported.
Crews initially had trouble because some of the hydrants were frozen. Firefighters were forced to stretch hoses far from the scene, Ruper reported.
"Unfortunately, the weather was a big factor. It was challenging to begin with, with high winds and the snow," Assistant Fire Chief John Sudnik said.
Onlookers said the firefighters did the best they could given the extreme conditions.
"It's bad enough out here and they have to be battling this massive fire," one said.
"I mean, New York's Bravest to brave out this weather? These guys are great," another added.
Firefighters believe the blaze started on the first floor, but there was no immediate word on what caused it. It took them hours to get the fire under control because they not only had to battle the flames, but Mother Nature as well. The damage was said to be so severe, the building would likely have to be demolished, fire officials said.
All the victims were expected to recover, officials said.
Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:
