A fast-moving fire tore through a Crown Heights apartment early Thursday, leaving several people hurt — including two firefighters — and families displaced.
The flames broke out just after 1:30 a.m. inside a four-story building on Eastern Parkway between Troy and Schenectady avenues, according to the FDNY. About 60 firefighters and EMS crews were called in, and the fire was under control by 2:15 a.m.
FDNY says two civilians are in critical condition at Kings County Hospital. A 55-year-old woman and another person were treated for minor injuries, and one more person was assessed at the scene. Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries.
Video from the scene shows crews helping tenants get to safety. The Red Cross provided support to two households affected by smoke and water damage. Officials say those families are receiving temporary lodging and financial help.
Anthony, a fourth-floor resident, said he wrapped a wet towel around his mother’s face to get her through the smoke.
“I put a towel with water to my mom, and she was shaking so the smoke could not affect her. It’s my mom — I’ll give my life for her,” he told News 12.
The building’s superintendent said firefighters had to rescue two people from the second-floor apartment where the fire started, performing CPR before rushing them to the hospital.
While some residents say the fire may have started from a cigarette, FDNY has not confirmed that. Fire marshals are still investigating the exact cause.