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‘We’re stuck.’ Fire leaves Castle Hill residents facing daily struggles

The fire broke out on the 20th floor and spread to the 21st floor inside an apartment building on Lafayette Avenue.

Estefania Salinas

Dec 19, 2025, 9:28 PM

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A fire inside a Castle Hill apartment building has turned daily life into a struggle for residents for weeks.

The fire broke out on the 20th floor and spread to the 21st floor inside an apartment building on Lafayette Avenue.

Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control, but the damage left four elevators out of service in the building, affecting more than 300 residents who rely on them every day. Residents say they have to wait for one service elevator, forcing them to wait long periods, walk into the crowded elevator or walk multiple flights of stairs just to get to their apartment.

Residents say the situation has taken both a physical and emotional toll. Simple tasks like carrying groceries have become exhausting, especially for those living on higher floors. Some residents told News 12 they regularly walk up more than a dozen flights of stairs, describing the routine as overwhelming and draining.

One resident, Amelia, says she spoke with a maintenance worker who explained that elevator repairs have not been made due to payment issues. That explanation, residents say, has only added to their frustration, leaving many feeling stuck in their own homes with no clear timeline for repairs.

News 12 reached out to building management multiple times but did not hear back.

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