3 Firefighters Remain Hospitalized Following 4-Alarm Fire In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Three firefighters remain in the hospital in critical condition Wednesday after a major fire in the Bronx.
The four-alarm blaze, which fire officials said was started by kids playing with a stove, broke out around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home on 235th Street in the Wakefield section.
The fire quickly spread to four other buildings before crews were able to bring it under control about two hours later.
Residents who lived in the affected area are now dealing with the aftermath.
Resident Ivy Bersaud said though everyone got out safely, her home was completely destroyed.
"Everything is scorched from the fire, Bersaud said.
But the hot fire on a hot day proved to be especially difficult and dangerous for firefighters, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
Officials said 51-year-old firefighter Joseph Brady had a heart attack while 34-year-old firefighter Patrick Morello suffered severe heat stroke. Both were taken to the hospital in critical condition.
"Heat stroke is a very serious injury," Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. "The man's temperature was extremely high, heart rate extremely high."
Another firefighter, 54-year-old Lt. Joseph Martorell, had burn injuries. He was treated at the hospital and released.
"I felt so bad because they work very hard," Bersaud said. "They're fighting to save your life. You're crying for your stuff. Their family is probably crying for them."
A fourth firefighter was hurt when other companies were called to the borough to provide backup.
In a freak accident about three miles away at Westchester Avenue and Waters Place, 44-year-old firefighter Sean O'Rourke from Ladder 138 in Corona nearly had his arm torn off when his truck crashed into an elevated subway beam.
Investigators believe he was waving to warn someone and didn't see the beam.
"To have life-threatening injuries and then when we're here, to have a member come in, and I saw his arm, his shoulder. It was very upsetting," FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard said. "We deal with a lot of tough things, but this was a very tough day for the fire department."
Doctors were working to try to save O'Rourke's arm Tuesday night, but his condition is not known.
Neighbors in Wakefield are hoping all of the men will be okay.
"Pray to God they recover," one resident said.
Officials are expected to give an update on the incident later this afternoon.
