Thirteen people and one firefighter were injured in a fire Tuesday morning in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood, according to FDNY officials.
The fire erupted at 570 W. 204th St., between Sherman and Post Avenues, at 8:24 a.m., in a six-story apartment building.
Authorities transported four individuals to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and six others to Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Additional victims were treated at the scene by first responders.
The conditions and identities of those injured were not immediately released.
Fire officials reported that the blaze started on the first floor of the building.
Leonard Rzepnicki, a resident who uses a wheelchair, described hearing a popping sound behind his nightstand to NY1. “It was hot, so I had to wrap my hand in something,” Rzepnicki said. “And when I pulled it, I really heard a lot of popping. Then all of a sudden, I turn to the closet in the back and there were flames in there.”
Over 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and the fire was declared under control just before 10 a.m.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by fire marshals.
The preventable nature of apartment fires
Most apartment fires are preventable, yet property owners’ or landlords’ negligence can transform a safe living environment into a lethal inferno. The consequences can be devastating, leading to loss of life and severe injuries.
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Understanding fire-related negligence and property owner responsibilities
Property owners have a fundamental duty to implement reasonable fire safety measures to protect their tenants and properties. New York laws are quite specific in defining what constitutes “reasonable” precautions against fire hazards.
If a property owner or landlord fails to adhere to these safety standards, leading to a fire that causes injury or death, they may be held liable for negligence.
Common examples of negligence leading to fires
Under New York premises liability law, several failures on the part of property owners are considered negligent, including:
- Not installing or maintaining fire alarms properly.
- Not installing or maintaining adequate sprinkler systems.
- Failing to mark fire exits clearly.
- Not keeping fire exits unobstructed.
- Ignoring critical fire hazards, such as faulty electrical wiring or malfunctioning HVAC systems, which could lead residents to use alternative heating devices like space heaters.
Legal support from The Weinstein Law Group
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a fire due to a landlord’s negligence, or if you have concerns that a fire might occur because of unaddressed safety issues, contact The Weinstein Law Group, PLLC, without delay.
Our team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve for injuries that should never have occurred. We currently represent 50 clients who were hurt in the 2021 Bronx fire that The New York Times called “the deadliest fire in decades.”
Do not hesitate to reach out for legal support. Call us now at (212) 741-3800 to discuss your case and explore your options. The Weinstein Law Group is here to advocate for your safety and rights, helping you recover from an ordeal that could have been prevented.