A destructive fire tore through a residence in Mount Vernon during the early hours.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., flames engulfed 358 S. 10th Ave., leaving the house severely damaged. Deputy Chief Jim Lange reported that upon arrival, firefighters were met with flames erupting from three windows on the second and third floors.

Amidst the chaos, crews discovered a resident who had collapsed behind a door in the second-floor apartment, where the fire originated. Emergency Medical Services swiftly transported the victim to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, where he is currently in critical condition.

Two additional residents were taken to Mount Vernon Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, chest pain, and anxiety. The building is now uninhabitable, and other occupants have found alternative housing.

Two firefighters received medical attention at Mount Vernon Hospital but have since been released.

Assisted by the New Rochelle and Eastchester fire departments, Mount Vernon firefighters, numbering 35 in total, successfully brought the blaze under control within an hour and a half. All remaining hot spots were extinguished by 3:30 a.m.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, though it appears to have been accidental.

Interestingly, the neighboring house suffered a devastating fire on Easter three years ago, which was determined to be a case of arson.

Lisa LaRocca interviews Deputy Chief Jim Lange