Apartment fire in New York's Bronx injures seven, displaces more than 200

A major fire in the Bronx early Friday morning displaced over 200 people and injured seven, including five firefighters.

The five-alarm blaze broke out around 2 a.m. at the Wallace Avenue apartment building in the Allerton section of the Bronx. The fire, which originated on the top floor of the 200-foot wide building, was fueled by gusty winds reaching up to 45 mph.

It severely damaged the roof and destroyed all apartments on the top floor. Emergency responders struggled to control the flames due to wind conditions, and the fire reignited around noon.

Five people, including firefighters, were hospitalized with injuries, while one civilian received treatment on-site but declined further transport.

The displaced residents are being sheltered at a nearby elementary school.

Zachary Iscol, the NYC Emergency Management commissioner, reported that at least 66 families were affected by the fire.

Some residents speculated that the building’s insufficient heating, which led tenants to use space heaters, may have contributed to the fire.

FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker described the fire as a “miracle” given the size of the blaze and its wind-driven intensity.

A nearby resident recalled seeing the fire spread rapidly, noting the unusual nature of the incident in the neighborhood.

The building is owned by Ved Parkash of Parkash Realty, who has faced numerous tenant complaints over the years. Records show 239 heat-related complaints in the last three years alone, with 11 more filed this month.

However, the Department of Buildings confirmed that the building's boiler passed its most recent inspection. Parkash was named the city's "worst landlord" in 2015 by then-Public Advocate Letitia James.