Bronx, NY (July 17, 2026) – Five firefighters were injured on Thursday morning, July 15, after a four-alarm fire tore through two homes on Briggs Avenue in the Fordham section of the Bronx.
According to the FDNY, the fire began just after 8 a.m. in the basement of one residence before spreading to a neighboring home. When crews arrived, flames had engulfed three floors in both buildings.
More than 230 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to battle the blaze under extreme heat conditions. Officials said firefighters also contended with poor air quality and a narrow wooden staircase that acted like a chimney, funneling intense heat toward crews advancing into the basement.
Five firefighters suffered injuries during the response. One was treated for heat exposure, another sustained traumatic injuries, and three others were evaluated at the scene for heat-related conditions before being expected to go to a hospital. No civilian injuries were immediately reported.
Both homes sustained heavy damage, leaving residents displaced. Firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby houses. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
We are thinking of the injured firefighters and the displaced families and wish everyone affected a safe recovery.
Why Basement Fires Can Be Dangerous for Firefighters?
Basement fires present unique hazards because heat and smoke naturally rise through stairwells and other openings, creating chimney-like conditions that can expose firefighters to extreme temperatures as they enter the structure. Limited visibility and confined access points can further complicate rescue and suppression efforts.
High outdoor temperatures can also increase the physical strain on emergency responders. Firefighters wear heavy protective gear that traps body heat, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses during prolonged operations, especially at large multi-alarm fires.
Following a major structure fire, investigators typically examine the area where the blaze originated, electrical systems, burn patterns, and other potential ignition sources to determine how the fire started and whether any contributing factors were involved.
