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 Isabella Giardina

BXSAMNELSONFIRE_2026-05-17-17-17-21

We also spoke with community members who witnessed the terrifying moments that massive fire started. News 12 Sam Israel spoke with them and even one person who was inside the building when it went up in flames. Some community members here on Nelson Avenue had to evacuate their apartment after this building caught on fire this afternoon. I spoke with someone who lives inside that apartment and actually had to rescue their mother and their dog, and they say they're grateful that they're all OK. When you see this fire, and you, what was your first reaction? Get my mom out. Help, help the neighbors. Angel Garcia Reyes sprung into action when he first heard an explosion. His mother describes what she and her family went through when the fire started. So in a panic that I heard the explosion, but I was seeing the smoke and debris. Backyard and he came in, closed the window, got us out, and we kept on running that way away from this part. Luckily all of them, including their 10 year old Chihuahua, made it out safely. She's shaking right now. She's shaking. She's she's really scared. Thank God I was with her when this happened. Neighbors in the area believe that the cause of the fire may have begun from a car and then eventually spread to the building. The firefighters have not confirmed that at this time. We'll be sure to update you once we learn more information. Reporting from Mortis Heights, Sam Israel, News 12.

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This happened at 1534 Nelson Ave. just before 2 p.m., says the FDNY.

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