Tuesday morning Bay Ridge fire leaves one in critical condition

December 11, 2018 By John Alexander and Todd Maisel Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A 71-year-old man was rescued from a fire in this Fort Hamilton Parkway apartment building. Eagle photo by Todd Maisel

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A 71-year-old man is reportedly in critical condition after a morning fire in a Bay Ridge apartment building.

FDNY responded to the blaze on the fourth floor of 9524 Fort Hamilton Parkway on Tuesday morning at 9:46 a.m., according to an FDNY spokesperson.

Responders from multiple FDNY ladder companies were present on the scene including 109, 114, 168 and 149.

Deputy Chief John Gorman said firefighters were met with “heavy fire on arrival” and that there was “heavy clutter in the fire apartment, making the search more of a challenge.” They had to enter the apartments by breaking the windows and throwing out the clutter.

Firefighter Michael Monaco of Ladder 149 said he found the 71-year-old man under debris, suffering from burns to his leg and arms. The man was unconscious, but alive, Monaco said.

The blaze in the six-story multiple dwelling was brought under control at 10:43 a.m.

Patricia Narine, a resident of 5 years who lives on the fourth floor with her dog Oliver, said she smelled smoke but thought it might be candles or incense until she looked out the window and saw fire on the drapes. “I grabbed my dog in my nightie, grabbed my jacket and then knocked on neighbors door to make sure they were out,” Narine said.

According to the FDNY, the man rescued from the building was quickly transported to Staten Island University Hospital in critical condition. His cat, Squirrel, was found in the hall by firefighters and rescued from the building.