A massive fire broke out at a six-story apartment building in the Bronx, New York, early Friday, injuring seven people, including five firefighters. The blaze erupted on the top floor of the Wallace Avenue building around 1.40am, quickly escalating to a five-alarm fire due to strong winds, according to the FDNY. Nearly 200 firefighters battled the flames, which spread rapidly, displacing dozens of residents.

The FDNY described the conditions as challenging, noting, “Firefighters have been battling a heavy wind condition that advanced the fire.” Videos shared by emergency services and news outlets showed flames and thick smoke pouring from the building’s upper floors and roof. By 7.30am, firefighters were still working to extinguish the fire.

The injured included five firefighters and two civilians. One civilian declined hospital treatment, while five others were taken to nearby hospitals, FDNY officials confirmed. In a statement to CBS News, residents reported using space heaters due to the building’s lack of heat, sparking concerns about the possible cause of the fire. “There’s no heat always, all the time,” a resident shared, alleging long-standing issues with heating in the building.
The blaze also displaced over 160 residents from 61 households, according to the New York Times. The Red Cross established temporary shelters, including one at P.S. 76 on Adee Avenue, to provide aid. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and the city’s Buildings Department is assessing the structure’s stability.
Meanwhile, wildfires continued to devastate parts of Los Angeles, where fierce winds have fuelled blazes since Tuesday. Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and at least 10 people have died. Among the victims were residents unable to evacuate in time, including a father and son in Pacific Palisades.
California firefighters are grappling with worsening fire conditions linked to climate change, with rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells extending wildfire seasons. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said the damage is “total devastation and loss,” while AccuWeather estimated economic losses at $135-$150 billion.