Bronx Building Fire: Freezing Temperatures Challenge Firefighters

Early Morning Blaze in the Bronx

• 🌃 At approximately 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, flames erupted in a three-story building located at Adee Avenue and White Plains Road in the Allerton section of the Bronx.
• 🏢 The fire quickly escalated to a four-alarm fire, requiring the response of over 200 firefighters and EMS personnel.
• 🏘️ The building housed a bodega and auto shop on the ground floor, with multiple apartments on the upper levels.

Community Impact and Evacuation

• 💬 Neighbors reported smelling smoke and then witnessing the building engulfed in flames, with one resident expressing shock that their "favorite neighborhood store is on fire."
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Residents from the upstairs apartments evacuated safely, and fire officials confirmed there were no serious injuries.
• 🤝 The Red Cross is assisting two residents from the upstairs apartments with temporary lodging.

Firefighting Challenges in Frigid Conditions

• 🥶 Freezing temperatures presented significant obstacles for the firefighters battling the blaze.
• 💧 Water from hose lines would freeze immediately on the pavement, leading to slips and falls.
• 🧊 Several hydrants were frozen, although firefighters were fortunate to have an operational hydrant directly in front of the building.

Investigation Underway

• 🔥 The fire was brought under control by approximately 7:00 a.m.
• 🔍 Fire marshals are on the scene investigating the cause of the fire.