Five-alarm fire tears through Yonkers high-rise, residents displaced and firefighter hurt
Fire officials said they first learned about the fire at 50 Riverdale Ave. around 9:17 a.m. The calls they received reported people trapped inside with smoky conditions.
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At least 18 residents were displaced, and one firefighter was injured after a five-alarm fire broke out at a Yonkers apartment building on Tuesday.
Fire officials said they first learned about the fire at 50 Riverdale Ave. around 9:17 a.m. The calls they received reported people trapped inside with smoky conditions.
Tuesday coverage
Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick said the arriving crews saw several balconies on fire in the back of the building. Investigators think the fire might have started on a 6th floor balcony and travelled down.
"Certain apartments had their windows opened. Fire extended into the apartments and eventually spread to about nine floors," Fitzpatrick said.
Officials said the conditions made several units in the building uninhabitable.
Fitzpatrick said in addition to the firefighter, one resident was also hurt.
"Yeah, there was one civilian injury who refused to be transported to the hospital. It's a minor injury. One firefighter injury at this time," Fitzpatrick said.
Officials said the firefighter was transported to the hospital and is now in stable condition.
Mayor Mike Spano thanked all of the first responders for their hard work.
Officials said hundreds of people live in the building. Many of them were able to return on Tuesday. However, others will remain displaced because of the damage. Only about three units were significantly impacted by the fire, according to officials. Officials say residents could not immediately return to about 15 units due to utility issues. Crews have been working on those repairs.
The Red Cross and Yonkers Office of Emergency Management are assisting displaced residents at the Yonkers Police Athletic League on North Broadway.
The Yonkers PAL is also accepting donations of hygiene products to help those impacted by the fire. Those donations can be dropped off.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Tenants tell News 12 that they are heartbroken for their neighbors who've been left with significant damage.
"It's very sad, I've known people in this building for a very long time," said James Langley, who lives in the building.
WATCH: News 12's Lauren Del Valle speaks with neighbors
