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Brooklyn, NY (May 23, 2026) – Two people died following a fire in a multi-story apartment building in East Flatbush.
FDNY arrived just before 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, to a second-floor unit inside a three-story building on Nostrand Ave between Beverly Road and Cortelyou Road. Flames were already spreading from the unit and moved upward into the top floor and roof section.
Two people inside the building were pronounced dead, while two others were taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Neighbors reported that a mother and her adult son were among those who died.
A video recorded by a witness showed heavy flames coming through second-floor windows. Residents who left after noticing smoke described heavy confusion outside as the fire grew rapidly. FDNY crews brought the fire under control after reaching the building.
The cause of the fire has not been released, and further details about those involved have not been made public.
FDNY continues to review how the fire started and how it spread through the building. We extend our condolences to the families affected and wish those injured strength in their recovery.
Why Apartment Fires in Multi-Story Buildings Can Spread Quickly
Fires in multi-level residential buildings can spread rapidly because heat and smoke move upward through stairwells, walls, and ventilation spaces. Once flames reach upper floors, containment becomes more difficult.
Dense housing layouts can also limit escape paths, especially when smoke fills shared hallways. In some cases, residents may have only a short time to leave before conditions worsen.
After fires like this, investigators often review building construction, electrical systems, and possible ignition sources. They also assess how fire movement through the structure contributed to the spread across multiple levels.
