One year ago, on a frigid December morning in 2024, a massive blaze tore through a six-story apartment building on West 107th Street in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, sending flames through the roof and forcing hundreds of residents onto the street. The fire department received a report of the fire at 8:20 a.m. local time, and the building’s fire alarm system was triggered immediately after the fire started.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within three minutes of the fire being reported. A total of 40 FDNY units, including 140 fire and EMS personnel, worked the scene, deploying tower ladders to attack the intense fire above and assist with evacuations. The blaze caused a heavy collapse of the roof space and parapet wall, which fell into the street, highlighting the dangers faced by first responders. The fire was placed under control at 10:30 a.m.
This apartment fire in NYC, which escalated to a 4-alarm response, injured three firefighters and displaced dozens of families—a stark reminder that fire remains one of the deadliest threats facing New York City residents. Incident details were reported by NBC New York.
What This Guide Covers
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of apartment fire safety tailored to New York City. You’ll find detailed information on the most common causes and patterns of apartment fires in NYC, how different building types affect fire behavior, step-by-step prevention measures, exactly what to do during a fire emergency, and what happens in the aftermath, including displacement and recovery resources.
Who This Is For
This guide is designed for NYC tenants living in walk-ups and high-rises, co-op and condo owners, property managers, and anyone searching for information after a specific apartment fire incident in NYC. Whether you’re living in an older pre-war building in the Bronx, relying on space heaters because your heat is not functional, newly moved to the city and unfamiliar with FDNY guidance, or caring for children or older adults in your apartment, you’ll find specific value here.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the most common causes of an apartment fire in NYC and how local building types affect risks
- Learn the difference between fireproof and non-fireproof buildings and why the FDNY sometimes advises shelter-in-place
- Get step-by-step actions for what to do before, during, and after an apartment fire in NYC
- Know what NYC laws require (smoke alarms, self-closing doors, heat requirements) and how to report violations
Understanding Apartment Fires in NYC
An apartment fire in NYC can range from a contained kitchen stovetop flare-up to a multi-alarm blaze that destroys an entire building and displaces hundreds of residents. The FDNY classifies fires by alarm level: a 1-alarm fire requires standard apparatus, while escalating alarms bring increasingly massive responses—a 5-alarm fire, the most severe, demands hundreds of firefighters and specialized equipment.
Understanding your building’s construction and local fire patterns matters enormously because your evacuation plan, your in-the-moment decisions, and even your survival depend on factors specific to where you live in New York. During major incidents, the FDNY Chief of Operations coordinates fire department operations, directing units and resources to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible to minimize damage and save lives.
How and Where Apartment Fires Typically Start
Common causes of NYC apartment fires include unattended cooking, space heater misuse, electrical issues, smoking, and lithium-ion batteries.
The top causes of apartment fires in NYC are unattended cooking, electric space heaters, overloaded extension cords, smoking materials, and candles. Faulty wiring is the leading cause of over 12,000 residential fires statewide each year, and grease fires in multi-unit dwellings remain a persistent threat.
Charging improperly used lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and scooters is a growing cause of fires in NYC.
Real incidents illustrate these risks clearly. The 2022 Twin Parks fire at Twin Parks North West, Site 4 began when a portable space heater ignited bedding in a third-floor apartment—a direct consequence of inadequate building heat. The December 2024 Upper West Side fire on West 107th Street started in a top-floor kitchen, according to the Mount Vernon Fire Department, and saw heavy fire spread through the roof space and cockloft, causing the collapse of the parapet wall and exterior wall.
NYC Building Types and Fire Behavior
NYC buildings fall into distinct categories that dramatically affect fire behavior. Non-fireproof walk-ups, typically pre-war construction of five or six stories, allow fire and smoke to spread through walls, ceilings, and the cockloft—the space between the top-floor ceiling and the roof. Fireproof high-rises, built with concrete and steel, are designed to contain fires within individual apartments.
In a six-story apartment building without fireproof construction, a fire on the top floor can spread horizontally through the roof space to adjacent buildings. In a modern fireproof high-rise, the same fire might remain contained to one unit for hours. The December 2024 Manhattan fire demonstrated this: flames racing through the roof line caused heavy damage to four apartments and threatened the entire structure.
Risks, Patterns, and Real-World Examples
Apartment fires are most likely during winter months when heating systems are strained and space heaters proliferate, in low-income neighborhoods with aging housing stock, and in buildings with documented histories of maintenance violations.
Notable NYC Apartment Fires and What They Reveal
Twin Parks North West, Bronx (January 2022): This massive blaze killed 17 people, including eight children. The building was constructed in 1972 as part of a state program to provide affordable housing. The fire broke out when a malfunctioning space heater ignited in a third-floor apartment. Flames shot out of the top floors of the large building at 30 Cottage Ave. Self-closing doors failed to contain smoke, which spread through hallways and stairwells throughout the 19-story building. The landlord had ignored chronic heating complaints, forcing residents to rely on dangerous supplemental heating. FDNY fire marshals investigating the scene found systemic maintenance failures. News reports provided updates and ongoing investigation details about the incident.
West 107th Street, Manhattan (December 2024): This 4-alarm fire on New York’s Upper West Side sent flames through the roof space of a six-story apartment building near Amsterdam Avenue. Heavy fire caused partial roof collapse, with the parapet wall and sections of exterior wall failing. Three residents and one firefighter suffered injuries. Fire officials noted that the building’s age and construction allowed rapid fire spread through the cockloft.
Wallace Avenue, Bronx (January 2025): Nearly three years to the day after Twin Parks, a 5-alarm fire at 2910 Wallace Avenue displaced over 200 residents into below-freezing temperatures. The top floor of the six-story building was completely destroyed. Seven people suffered minor injuries. Residents reported three years of inadequate heat and hot water under owner Ved Parkash, deemed one of NYC’s worst landlords with over 2,000 open violations.
These events prompted renewed focus on enforcement, with Mayor Adams and FDNY Commissioner Tucker declaring 2025 “Fire Prevention Year.”
Common Risk Factors in NYC Apartment Buildings
Unreliable central heating, particularly in Bronx buildings with negligent landlords, drives reliance on dangerous space heaters. A 2023 NYC Comptroller report found outsized heating complaints in the city’s poorest areas, with enforcement failing in over 25% of 1,077 high-complaint buildings.
Broken self-closing doors allow smoke to spread between units and into hallways. Cluttered hallways and stairwells block evacuation routes. Aged wiring—especially in pre-war buildings—poses ignition risks throughout the structure. Disabled or non-functional alarms leave occupants without warning.
Newer luxury high-rises typically feature sprinkler systems, functional alarms, and compartmentalized construction that contains fires. Older affordable housing stock often lacks these protections. Unlike isolated house fires, NYC apartment fires often affect many households simultaneously—a single incident can displace dozens or hundreds of families.
Displacement, Injury, and Community Impact
When a significant apartment fire occurs in NYC, the aftermath extends far beyond the initial emergency. The January 2025 Bronx fire displaced 81 families initially sheltered in a nearby school before being moved to hotels and city shelters with caseworker assistance. The Red Cross and local charities typically provide immediate aid, but full recovery takes months or years.
Even “minor injuries” often include smoke inhalation requiring medical treatment, trauma requiring mental health support, and physical injuries from evacuation. Civilian fatalities in NYC edged from 74 in Fiscal Year 2024 to 76 in Fiscal Year 2025, with life-threatening injuries up three percent.
Practical Safety: Prevention and Emergency Actions in NYC Apartments
Now that you understand how and why apartment fires in NYC happen, this section covers exactly what to do before, during, and after a fire. This guidance aligns with FDNY recommendations and NYC law, adapted for typical apartment settings from Bronx walk-ups to Manhattan high-rises.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your NYC Apartment for Fire Safety
When to use this: For all NYC residents, especially in older walk-ups or buildings without sprinklers.
- Check and test smoke alarms: NYC law requires landlords to provide and maintain smoke detectors in every bedroom, living area, and hallway. Test monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries annually or whenever the low-battery chirp sounds.
- Inspect your apartment door: NYC Local Law 111/2018 requires self-closing doors in all multi-unit buildings. Test yours by opening it fully and releasing—it should close and latch completely on its own. Report failures via 311 immediately.
- Create two exit routes: Identify stairwells at opposite ends of your floor if available. Know which stair to avoid if you see smoke on one side. Never plan to use elevators during a fire.
- Prepare a go-bag: Store a small bag near your exit containing IDs, essential medications, phone chargers, and copies of important documents. You may have seconds to grab it.
- Practice safe heating: If you must use a space heater, choose a model with automatic tip-over shutoff. Never use extension cords or power strips. Maintain three feet of clearance from all combustibles. Never leave heaters running while sleeping or away.
- Practice fire drills: Walk through evacuation with all household members, including children and older adults. Identify meeting spots outside the building. Practice feeling the doors for heat before opening.
- Know your building’s fireproof status: Ask your super or management whether your building is classified as fireproof construction. This determines whether the FDNY will advise evacuation or shelter-in-place.
- Keep exits clear: Never block your apartment door or store items in hallways. Report hallway obstructions to building management.
What To Do During an Apartment Fire in NYC
Actions during an apartment fire differ based on building type. FDNY guidance for fireproof high-rises often differs from advice for non-fireproof walk-ups.
Immediate actions on discovering fire:
- In the event of a fire, get out quickly if you can, call 911 from a safe location, and always use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Call 911 immediately—even if you think someone else has called
- If your building has a fire alarm pull station, activate it
- Close the door on the fire room if it is safe to do so
- Never prop doors open
Deciding whether to evacuate or shelter in place:
- Feel your apartment door with the back of your hand before opening—if hot, do not open
- If smoke is visible in the hallway, evacuation may be more dangerous than staying
- In fireproof high-rises, the FDNY may advise staying in your apartment behind a closed door
- In non-fireproof buildings, evacuation is typically the priority unless smoke blocks your path
If evacuating:
- Stay low where the air is clearer
- Use stairs only—never elevators
- Close all doors behind you as you go
- Help neighbors only if you can do so safely
- Once out, do not re-enter for any reason
If sheltering in place:
- Close and seal your apartment door with wet towels to block smoke.
- Stay low to the ground where the air is clearer.
- Call 911 and report your exact apartment number and condition.
- Signal for help from a window if necessary—wave a light-colored cloth or flashlight to alert rescuers.
- Wait for the FDNY rescue; they will know your location
The FDNY may advise you over the phone to stay in your apartment in a fireproof high-rise if the hallway is filled with smoke. Follow their instructions—they have real-time information about fire location and building conditions.
Staying Safe in Hallways, Stairwells, and on the Street
NYC apartment building common areas present specific risks during fires. Smoke-filled stair towers can become impassable within minutes. Cluttered hallways slow evacuation. Locked roof doors—sometimes illegally secured—can trap residents.
If you encounter smoke in the stairs:
- Turn back immediately
- Try alternate stairs if available
- Return to your apartment if you cannot find a clear exit
- Call 911 from your apartment and report your location
Street-level safety:
- Stay clear of the building facade—parapet walls and exterior walls can collapse
- Follow instructions from FDNY and NYPD officials
- Do not re-enter until fire officials declare the building safe
- Account for all family members at your pre-designated meeting point
Comparison: Fireproof vs. Non-Fireproof NYC Buildings
| Feature | Fireproof Building | Non-Fireproof Building |
|---|---|---|
| How fire spreads | Typically contained within apartment of origin | Spreads through walls, ceilings, cockloft to adjacent units |
| Typical FDNY guidance | Shelter in place behind closed door often safest | Evacuate immediately unless smoke blocks path |
| Evacuation urgency | May have more time; stairwells often remain clear | Must move quickly; entire building at risk |
| Stairwell safety | Concrete construction resists smoke penetration | Smoke can fill stairwells rapidly |
| Common building age | Post-1968 construction, high-rises | Pre-war, typically 5-6 story walk-ups |
| Neighborhoods | Newer developments citywide | Common in Bronx, Washington Heights, older Brooklyn/Queens |
To find out your building type, ask your superintendent or management company directly. You can also check the NYC Department of Buildings website for your building’s certificate of occupancy, which indicates construction classification.
Even prepared residents face obstacles during real apartment fires—the next section addresses common challenges and practical solutions.
Common Challenges and Solutions in NYC Apartment Fires
Challenge: Broken Self-Closing Doors and Poor Maintenance
Failed self-closing doors directly contributed to the death toll in the 2022 Bronx Twin Parks fire, allowing smoke to spread through hallways and stairwells. Investigation by fire officials revealed that multiple doors failed to close properly, turning survivable conditions into fatal ones.
Document door problems with photos and videos. File complaints through 311 and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). NYC Local Law 111/2018 requires landlords to maintain self-closing doors on all apartment entrance doors in buildings with three or more units. If your door doesn’t close and latch automatically, your landlord is violating the law.
- Organize with neighbors to document building-wide door failures
- Request HPD inspection citing Local Law 111/2018
- Follow up on complaints—track confirmation numbers and request status updates
Challenge: Frequent False Alarms and Alarm Fatigue
When alarms sound constantly without actual fires, residents learn to ignore them. This “alarm fatigue” has contributed to delayed evacuations in multiple NYC fires. Occupants assume it’s another false alarm until smoke fills the hallways.
Treat every alarm as real until confirmed otherwise by fire officials. If your building has chronic false-alarm issues, document them and report them to building management in writing.
- Contact the HPD if alarms are disabled or non-functional
- Work with neighbors to demand system repairs
- Consider multilingual signage explaining alarm procedures for buildings with diverse residents
- Attend or request building meetings specifically addressing alarm reliability
Challenge: Heating Problems and Space Heater Dependence
Chronic under-heating in NYC buildings—particularly in low-income neighborhoods—drives residents to rely on dangerous space heaters. NYC law requires landlords to maintain indoor temperatures of at least 68°F during the day and 62°F at night during heating season (October 1 through May 31).
File heat complaints via 311 during heating season. NYC responds to heat complaints within 24 hours for emergencies.
If you must use a space heater:
- Choose only models with automatic tip-over shutoff and overheat protection
- Never plug heaters into power strips or extension cords
- Never run heaters overnight or when you leave the apartment
- Maintain three feet of clearance from all combustibles
- Consider reaching out to local community organizations that provide safe heaters or utility assistance
Challenge: Mobility, Disability, and Family Constraints
Evacuating with small children, older adults, wheelchair users, or pets during an apartment fire presents significant challenges. Standard evacuation advice may not work for everyone.
Solution: Create personalized evacuation plans that account for your household’s specific needs.
- Register with building management if anyone in your household has mobility limitations
- Contact the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit about resources for people with functional needs
- Pre-position mobility equipment near exits
- Establish buddy systems with neighbors who can assist if needed
- Practice evacuation with all household members, including carrying or assisting those who need help
Communicate your needs to your superintendent in advance—during an actual fire is too late.
Challenge: Aftermath – Displacement and Paperwork
Even survivors of apartment fires face tremendous challenges: temporary homelessness, lost documents, destroyed possessions, and insurance confusion. The January 2025 Bronx fire left 81 families in temporary shelter, facing weeks or months of uncertainty.
Solution: Act quickly to access available resources.
- Connect immediately with the American Red Cross, which responds to most multi-unit fires in NYC
- Contact NYC Emergency Management for information about city resources
- Reach out to tenant advocacy organizations like Met Council on Housing for guidance on your rights
- Document all damage for renters’ insurance claims—take photos and videos before cleanup
- Know that landlords cannot lock you out after a fire without proper legal process; you retain rights to return once the building is safe
- If you have or a family have been injured or displaced, contact an attorney who handles apartment fire cases in NYC.
Contact the Law Firm of Ronemus & Vilensky
The law firm of Ronemus & Vilensky, LLP has been instrumental in fighting for the rights of fire and burn injury victims in some of the most devastating cases our city has seen in its history. Among the most accomplished personal injury lawyers, we have been called upon time and again to provide experienced legal guidance and counsel for victims of a fire in the Bronx and throughout New York City.
Related Topics
After understanding apartment fires in NYC, you may want to explore these related areas:
- NYC tenant fire-safety rights: Learn what landlords are legally required to provide and how to enforce those requirements
- Renters’ insurance in NYC: Understand what coverage protects you after a fire and what it typically costs
- FDNY fire-safety education programs: Access free community presentations and resources, including multilingual materials
- Emergency go-bag checklists for city dwellers: Build a comprehensive kit for any NYC emergency, not just fires
Additional Resources
These NYC-specific resources provide authoritative guidance and assistance:
- FDNY Fire Safety Education: Official guides, videos, and multilingual materials at nyc.gov/fdny. The Fire Safety Education Unit offers community presentations—contact them to schedule one for your building.
- NYC 311 and HPD: Report heat, hot water, smoke detector, and self-closing door violations online, by phone, or through the 311 app. Track complaints and request inspections.
- American Red Cross Greater New York: Immediate assistance for fire survivors, including shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support. Responds to most multi-unit NYC fires.
- Met Council on Housing: Free tenant rights assistance, including guidance on post-fire rights and landlord responsibilities. Hotline available for urgent questions.
- NYC Emergency Management: Information on city resources during and after emergencies, including shelter locations and recovery programs.
