Two people were killed after a fire engulfed a Buddhist temple in Fordham Heights on Wednesday and fire officials said their rescue efforts were hampered by a car parked in front of a fire hydrant across the street from the blaze. Fire marshals said the fire was caused by a space heater.

 

FDNY officials said the deadly blaze broke out inside a private home that housed the USA Buddhayaram Temple, located at 2086 Anthony Avenue between East Burnside Avenue and East 180th Street in Fordham Heights, at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The fire quickly spread and at 6:14 a.m. it was raised to a third alarm fire.

 

At a press conference held at the scene on Wednesday, John Esposito, FDNY’s chief of department said, “We arrived right at four minutes to find heavy fire in two buildings.” Esposito said that the third-alarm response brought 40 fire and EMS units to the scene, comprising 150 fire and EMS personnel.

 

He continued, “We had fire throughout the two buildings and unfortunately, we did have two fatalities recovered from the original fire building.” He added at the time that the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Investigation and Bureau of Fire Prevention were on scene and investigating the cause of the fire and assessing if there were any violations recorded for the two private homes destroyed.

EMS Chief Mark Bonilla told reporters, “We had two victims from this fire. One was deceased at the scene, the second one was removed via EMS, provided resuscitative care, and transported to the local hospital where we later found out that the victim was pronounced at the hospital.” He added that no other injuries were reported.

 

Asked about a vehicle that was blocking the fire hydrant closest to the fire building, Esposito replied, “So, we did, unfortunately, have a car parked on the closest fire hydrant. We’ve seen that now a couple of times in the last week or so throughout the city, but yes, there was a car blocking our fire hydrant.”

 

Esposito added, “The cold weather slows us down a little bit, but this was a very dangerous operation for our firefighters. We’re not sure yet the gender or identity of the victims at the fire, and when the hydrants are blocked, it does make it more difficult. It does slow us down.”

He concluded, “Our firefighters are very well trained, but clearly if those hydrants [are] not blocked, it’s a little bit of a smoother, quicker operation for us. We all know we should not be parking on fire hydrants.

 

Norwood News asked the Red Cross about the number of people displaced, if any, by the fire. Desiree Ramos Reiner from the Red Cross of Greater New York said on Thursday, “Our hearts and thoughts are with the community after this tragic fire.” She added in part, “The American Red Cross registered 6 adults for emergency temporary lodging.”

We also asked the FDNY for information on a recent fatal fire in Brooklyn where a car was also blocking the closest fire hydrant. We will share any updates we receive.

 

According to published reports, the Brooklyn fire broke out at 510 80th Street on Sunday, Feb. 9, and the fire killed Navy veteran Gregory Fernandez, 37. Fernandez’s wife and two-year-old son were also injured in the blaze.

 

FDNY later said on Wednesday of the Bronx fire, “Per FDNY Fire Marshals, the fatal 3-alarm fire on Feb. 12 at 2086 Anthony Avenue in (The) Bronx was accidental, caused by a space heater that came in contact with combustible materials.”

 

Separately, FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said, “For the second time in three days, FDNY members encountered a blocked hydrant, and this one was directly across from the fire building. Precious seconds are wasted when cars are illegally parked in front of fire hydrants, in a situation where every second matters. It is shameful that people would put their convenience over public safety.”

 

Other large, residential fires have broken out in the north Bronx in recent weeks, one Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 3030 Heath Avenue in Kingsbridge, as reported, with two minor injuries, with dozens displaced, and another at 2910 Wallace Avenue in Allerton Friday, Jan. 10, which resulted in eight injuries (six firefighters and two civilians) and hundreds more displaced residents. Pet rescue followed the fire are reported.

Another fire broke out at Parkside Housing Project on the 7th floor at 669 Arnow Avenue on Thursday, Jan. 16, and in Norwood on another residential fire was reported resulting in no injuries and no requests for assistance, according to the Red Cross.

 

There were no injuries reported following a residential fire at 3065 Grand Concourse between East 203rd Street and East 204th Street in Bedford Park on Wednesday night, Jan. 29, and one pet was the only casualty following a separate residential fire at 2587 Bainbridge Avenue in Fordham Manor on Friday, Jan. 31.

 

There were also no reported injuries following a track fire at Woodlawn Subway Station in Norwood on Jan. 29.

 

Click here to read FDNY’s fire safety tips. “During a fire, always close the door behind you!” fire officials say. “It helps contain smoke and flames, giving you precious time to escape. Your quick action can make the difference.”