Bronx, NY (May 9, 2025) – One person sustained injuries following an apartment fire that broke out on the sixth floor of a residential building in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. The incident occurred at 616 E 139th St on Wednesday, May 8, and prompted an immediate response from New York City Fire Department crews and emergency medical personnel.
Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victim and evacuating other residents from the affected floors. The injured individual was treated by paramedics and subsequently transported to a nearby hospital. The extent of the injuries has not been officially disclosed, though sources confirmed they were directly related to smoke inhalation or exposure to the fire.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke conditions on the sixth floor of the multi-story apartment building. Crews worked swiftly to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to adjacent units. While the blaze was eventually extinguished, fire damage to the apartment and surrounding areas was reported to be significant.
At this time, fire marshals and local authorities are investigating the source of the blaze. The cause remains undetermined, though officials have not ruled out accidental origins. The building has since been secured, and affected residents are receiving support from housing services and local aid organizations.
Our thoughts are with the injured individual and the residents impacted by this alarming event.
Apartment Fires in New York
Residential fires like the one that occurred at 616 E 139th St in Mott Haven present serious risks to both physical safety and long-term well-being. Fires in multi-unit buildings are especially dangerous due to the close proximity of living spaces, shared ventilation systems, and the difficulty of rapid evacuation.
Mott Haven, one of the Bronx’s most densely populated neighborhoods, features a mix of older apartment complexes and public housing structures, many of which may be vulnerable to fire hazards stemming from electrical faults, cooking accidents, or outdated building materials. When a fire breaks out in a building like this, quick response times are essential to minimizing harm.
In this incident, the fire's location on the sixth floor likely posed additional challenges for responders, including stairwell accessibility, smoke travel, and potential exposure to neighboring units. Injuries in such scenarios often result from smoke inhalation, falls during evacuation, or burns sustained during the initial fire outbreak.
For the injured victim and displaced residents, recovery involves more than just physical healing. Victims of apartment fires frequently face emotional trauma, loss of possessions, and the challenge of finding temporary housing. That’s why access to coordinated resources—including medical care, mental health services, and housing assistance—is vital for restoring stability.
This fire also underscores the importance of preventative measures, such as regularly tested smoke alarms, functional fire escapes, and tenant fire safety education. Ongoing investment in building code compliance and public awareness can significantly reduce the likelihood of severe residential fires.
If you or someone you know has been injured or displaced in a residential fire in the Bronx, Local Accident Reports is here to help. Our team connects victims with trusted recovery resources, accurate information, and compassionate support. Contact Local Accident Reports today to learn how we can guide you through the next steps.