NYC Fire Injures 16 Including a Baby

A raging apartment fire in Brooklyn left 16 people injured early Wednesday morning, including two children—a 5-month-old baby and a 5-year-old boy. The fire, which broke out on the second floor of 65 Bay 19th Street, quickly escalated, spreading to the third floor due to an open door, officials said.

“This was one of the biggest challenges we face in firefighting,” explained FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Duggan, Jr., Brooklyn’s borough commander. “An open door during a fire acts as a highway for flames and smoke, making it extremely dangerous for everyone involved.”

Rescue Mission Amid Chaos

The fire began shortly after 6:00 a.m., engulfing the second floor before climbing to the third. Among those rescued were a 42-year-old man and the two young boys, pulled from the smoke-filled third floor by firefighters.

“They were in critical condition when transported,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “Thankfully, doctors later confirmed their status had stabilized.”

The children were rushed to Maimonides Medical Center, while the adult was treated at Coney Island Hospital. Seven other civilians received on-site medical attention but did not require hospitalization.

A Massive Response and a Tactical Shift

The two-alarm fire summoned 106 firefighters and 25 medical personnel. Crews faced initial difficulties pinpointing the origin of the fire due to intense heat and smoke.

“When we got to the second floor, visibility was near zero,” Duggan explained. “Our first attempt to access the fire apartment failed due to the extreme conditions. We had to pivot—using an exterior attack strategy by bringing a hose through a window.”

This quick-thinking approach helped suppress the blaze, but not before six firefighters sustained minor injuries. All were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and are expected to recover fully.

A History of Open-Door Dangers

Open doors have long been a concern in apartment fires. Fire safety experts note that closing doors behind you when evacuating can slow the spread of flames and smoke by cutting off oxygen.

“Fires thrive on airflow,” said retired FDNY fire marshal Anthony Carbone. “Leaving a door open in a fire is like fanning the flames. It’s critical for public awareness to focus on this simple but life-saving step.”

Investigation Underway

Fire marshals are currently investigating the cause of the blaze. Early indications suggest it may have been accidental, though no official determination has been made.

In the aftermath, neighbors expressed both relief and concern.

“It’s terrifying,” said Maria Rodriguez, a resident of a nearby building. “We could smell the smoke all morning. Thank God the kids and everyone survived, but it’s a reminder to always stay prepared.”

The FDNY continues to emphasize the importance of closing doors and maintaining functional smoke detectors in every home. As the investigation unfolds, this Brooklyn community begins the difficult task of recovery from a fiery morning that could have been much worse.