FDNY officials said two vehicles parked at fire hydrants delayed crews by several minutes as flames spread rapidly through the building’s cockloft

By Scott R. Axelrod
Staten Island Advance

NEW YORK — Two vehicles parked in front of fire hydrants delayed firefighters from getting water onto a rapidly spreading four-alarm fire in the Bronx Thursday, according to FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Paul Miller.

At a press conference, Miller said firefighters found two cars parked near hydrants in front of the building.

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“Complicating matters, we did have two cars parked on fire hydrants in front of the building, which delayed our response … in getting water on the fire,” Miller said. He said the vehicles would be towed and their owners summoned.

Miller said it took “several minutes” for firefighters to connect their hoses because of the blocked hydrants.

“Every minute counted,” Miller said, explaining that the fire was spreading rapidly through the building’s cockloft, the space between the ceiling and roof.

“The sooner we get water on the fire, the sooner things start to go better, and any delay is not acceptable,” he said.

Miller also said the fire had been difficult to detect because of insulation in the building.

“So, it was a long time in discovering this fire,” he said. “The residents weren’t aware that this fire was burning for a while. So, when we arrived, we had a rapidly extending fire in that cockloft.”

The FDNY said 74 units, involving 231 firefighters and EMS personnel, responded to the blaze.

Miller urged New Yorkers to keep hydrants clear.

“I implore everyone, for their own safety, do not park on fire hydrants,” he said. “It’s dangerous. It puts firefighters at risk, and it puts residents in that building at risk.”

According to the NYC Department of Finance, the standard fine for parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant in New York City is $115.

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