FDNY: Man found dead in University Heights home fire, 14 people displaced

The bulk of the damage to the home appears to be at the back side of the house. The fire is now under control.

Amanda Bossard and Adolfo Carrion

Mar 1, 2024, 10:15 PM

Updated 276 days ago

Share:

A man was found dead at the scene of a fire that broke out at a three-story home in University Heights, according to the FDNY.
The FDNY says the fire started just after 2 p.m. at 2533 Grand Ave. between 190th and 192nd streets. They say the fire began on the second floor and extended to the third floor of the home. Neighbors tell News 12 they found smoke consuming their entire neighborhood.
Fire officials say that a man was found dead in the attic of the home.
A total of 14 residents were displaced from their homes by this fire. The Red Cross tells News 12 that it is currently helping those people find a place to stay temporarily.
The Department of Buildings says the house contained 17 illegal rooms that were being used as housing spread across all three levels of the home. A full vacate order has since been issued on the property.
"I looked over, and the building was covered in a cloud of smoke," says Bryan Barkes, a superintendent at a neighboring building. "It was a stubborn fire."
The bulk of the damage to the home appears to be at the back side of the house. The fire is now under control.
Fire marshals are working to determine the cause of the fire at this time.