FDNY response to 4-alarm Norwood fire delayed due to cars blocking hydrants
The fire broke out just before 6 a.m. on DeKalb Avenue and quickly grew to four alarms. More than 200 fire and EMS personnel responded as heavy smoke poured from the building. The FDNY said the fire started on the sixth floor.
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Four people were injured and residents were forced from their homes after a fire tore through an apartment building in Norwood Thursday morning.
The fire broke out just before 6 a.m. on DeKalb Avenue and quickly grew to four alarms. More than 200 fire and EMS personnel responded as heavy smoke poured from the building. The FDNY said the fire started on the sixth floor.
But firefighters faced an added challenge while trying to get water on the flames. Two cars were blocking fire hydrants, forcing crews to maneuver their hoses around the vehicles and delaying the response, according to fire officials.
One resident who witnessed the response told News 12 he believed the problem cost firefighters valuable time.
"Probably around like, like 10 minutes more. And that's like a life-or-death situation. Every minute matters," the resident said.
The FDNY chief also issued a warning to drivers.
"Do not park on fire hydrants. It's dangerous. It puts the firefighters at risk and it puts the residents in that building at risk," the chief said.
Two firefighters and two civilians suffered minor injuries. Residents described smoke quickly filling apartments and hallways as they rushed to get out.
The American Red Cross is supporting a reception center for affected residents. As of 8:30 p.m., the Red Cross confirmed 159 people-130 adults and 29 children as well as 35 pets from 60 households have registered for emergency assistance.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
