2023 unfortunately ended with several fires that tragically killed three people. Two fires just three blocks apart in the Bronx occurred on Saturday, December 30. The first blaze broke out on the second floor of a five-story apartment building on Elder Avenue near Westchester Avenue in Soundview around 8:15 p.m. The second-alarm fire killed one woman and injured three.
Four hours later, another deadly fire erupted about a quarter-mile away on Colgate Avenue near Westchester Avenue, also in Soundview, according to the FDNY. The fire spread to several buildings and vehicles and claimed the life of a 50-year-old man who had moved into the apartment only two days earlier.
One of the tenants who lost everything in the second fire on Colgate Avenue told reporters that she had called NYC 311 in 2021 to complain of mold on her walls after finding a busted heating system, faulty electrical wiring, and plumbing that backed up whenever it rained. The tenant said she was told that her apartment had been illegally subdivided, although city records show no violations regarding an illegal subdivision.
The causes of both fires remain under investigation.
Saturday Fires Follow Friday Blazes in Bedford Park
On Friday, December 29, firefighters responded to a fire at about 4 p.m. on the second floor of a six-story apartment building on East 197th Street near Pond Place in Bedford Park. A 56-year-old man died after being taken to the hospital by medics. FDNY officials reported that 12 units, comprising 60 firefighters, battled the fire.
A second fire broke out on Friday at 8:05 p.m. at 2877 Grand Concourse, between Minerva Place and East 199th Street, also in Bedford Park, according to the FDNY. The Norwood News, a publication serving the Bronx community, reported that residents have complained about maintenance, heating, and gas problems in the building. There are five open complaints with the NYC Department of Housing, Preservation & Development (HPD) related to cooking gas, which has been shut off, and loose/defective window frames. In addition, there have been 50 open violations listed with HPD since 2011, according to the Norwood News.
