Dozens Hurt, Displaced After Sunset Park Apartment Fire
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A stubborn, wind-fueled apartment fire left more than 60 people displaced and more than 20 firefighters injured overnight in Brooklyn.
The flames broke out around 5 p.m. Wednesday on the top floor of the building on 44th Street near Seventh Avenue in Sunset Park.
The blaze injured 32 people, including 23 firefighters and five police officers.
WEB EXTRA: FDNY Officials Detail A Devastating Apartment Fire In Brooklyn
The fire was fueled by high winds that at points topped 30 miles an hour.
"We had 20 to 30 mile an hour winds, gusting to over 40. Eventually, we pulled all our firefighters out for safety reasons," said FDNY Chief of Department John Sudnik.
Some residents climbed out their fire escapes, grabbing whatever they could before the roof collapsed.
"I was terrified. I've seen videos of buildings getting burned down on the news and stuff like that, but nothing like this has ever happened to me," 9-year-old Javier Zuniga said.
Firefighters battle hot spots at a Bk apt building more than 12 hours after flames broke out. 23 people were injured including 19 firefighters. Yesterday's high winds made fighting the flames even more difficult. For more: https://t.co/qt2U0aGqlO @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/gYnIb3D8mw
— Aundrea Cline-Thomas (@AClineThomas) April 4, 2019
Enli Chen was among the residents who returned Thursday morning to find the charred remains of the apartment building they once called home.
"I can see my room, but it's damaged, all of them," she said. "I lost everything."
Residents said they initially thought the flames could be contained.
"I was watching TV and suddenly I smelled smoke," said Nerida Ferrer.
Then, panic set in as they were forced to evacuate.
"The whole roof was coming down, a lot of debris was coming down. Everybody was running," Ferrer said. "It was like in the movies."
"I would say within half an hour there was an explosion. We saw it... and everybody had to run," said Yvette Douglas, who was visiting her mother in the building.
Fire officials and building inspectors are working to determine if any of the units are safe to re-enter.
Meanwhile, residents wait, many with only the clothes on their back, hoping for guidance on what to do next.
"I don't know. They have to find housing for me, because I can't stay outside like this," Ferrer said.
"We couldn't get our medications out, we couldn't get my cat out. We're on the first floor, so I'm hoping that my cat is still alive," said Douglas. "There's a lot of pets in there that didn't make it."
The Red Cross said its teams are assisting approximately 30 families, including 58 adults and eight children.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.