9 Children Among 23 Hurt as Another Inferno Devours Building in the Bronx

By Tracie Strahan

At least 23 people were hurt, nine of them children, as a seven-alarm fire swept through a multistory building near the Bronx Zoo early Tuesday, drawing more than three dozen fire units and 200 firefighters to help battle the flames.

The 5:30 a.m. fire broke out in a tin-roof furniture store, where the gates were down, on Commonwealth Avenue in Van Nest and rapidly spread up to apartments in the mixed-use building.

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Source: NBC News (via Empire Report New York) 

Statement from Assembly Member Michael Blake, District 79

At approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, there was a fire in a three story home by 159th and Elton Avenue in our district.  Fortunately, there was only a minor injury to one relative as all of the family members safely evacuated the residence.  I was able to spend time with the family as they waited for other relatives to arrive, including getting a meal for the calm and pleasant young children. 

Thank you for the first responders from the FDNY, the ambulance from Lincoln Hospital and the 40th and 42nd Precincts who were immediately on the scene and safely put out the fire while supporting the family in need. We must continue to stay vigilant on how to keep our homes safe, warm and secure. Our team will stay in touch with the family as they begin to rebuild their lives.  Thank you to everyone who will give them a chance at the next chapter of #BuildingABetterBronx.

P.S. Please say hello to the lovely, very well behaved and friendly family dog "Oso" or Bear.