Crime Midwood

Midwood fires hospitalizes 13, including infant

One person is in critical condition.

June 13, 2019 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
The fire caused signficant damage. Photo via FDNY
The East 17th Street fire caused significant damage to three homes. Photo via FDNY
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An early morning fire ripped through three homes on East 17th Street in Midwood, sending 13 people to area hospitals.

The fire broke out at approximately 4 a.m. at 1492 E. 17th St., between Avenue N and Avenue O, and spread quickly to the homes on either side. It took approximately three hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control.

Thirteen people were sent to Maimonides Medical Center and New York Community Hospital as of 10 a.m. for fire-related injuries, a number that’s continued to climb since the blaze was extinguished.

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In total, nine civilians — residents of the affected homes and neighbors who suffered smoke inhalation — three firefighters and an EMS lieutenant were injured. One of the civilians is in critical condition.

The three homes each contained three units, according to a preliminary report by the Red Cross, who arrived to provide services to the fire’s victims. A woman and her dog were relocated by the organization. Spokesperson Michael De Vulpillieres said that more may need relocation assistance when they are discharged from the hospital.

Firefighters arrived on the scene within five minutes of receiving the call and quickly designated it a three-alarm fire, FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Thomas Richardson said at a press conference from the scene. It escalated to a four-alarm blaze, with 40 fire units and 24 EMS units on the scene, including 170 firefighters.

The roof of the building where the fire began collapsed, and the other two homes sustained significant damage.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Neighbors still in need of relocation assistance due to the fire can call the Red Cross at (877) 733-2767.


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