On January 14th (Tuesday), a second-level fire broke out at 143 Bowery Street in Chinatown, New York. Approximately a hundred emergency personnel, including firefighters, rushed to the scene for urgent fire suppression and rescue efforts. All residents were safely evacuated with no civilian injuries reported.
The fire, which occurred around 8 a.m. on January 14th, originated at the Bowery Grand Hotel, a homeless shelter built in 1900. The flames started on the third floor and rapidly spread to the fourth, fifth, and eventually reached the attic. About a hundred firefighters worked together to extinguish the fire.
Due to the sudden drop in temperature to below zero on that day, the rescue water quickly froze, forcing firefighters to use special tools to break windows. Brian Gorman, Assistant Commissioner of the Fire Department, stated, “When the fire reached the roof, a large amount of manpower was needed on site, and firefighters had to make extensive cuts to the building materials. The extreme weather conditions added to the challenge.”
The Fire Department received the fire alarm at 8:12 a.m. and responded promptly, arriving at the scene within three and a half minutes. Additional reinforcements were dispatched after the second alarm. The fire was brought under control at 9:14 a.m. and extinguished by 10:07 a.m., ensuring the safe evacuation of all residents. During the fire, seven firefighters sustained minor injuries and received treatment, while no civilians were harmed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Chinatown Business Improvement District Director Chen Zuozhou expressed sadness over the fire, emphasizing the urgent need to upgrade fire safety facilities in the aging buildings of Chinatown. He specifically reminded residents living in old buildings with external fire escape stairs to be extra cautious about fire safety, as the lack of indoor escape routes and the rapid spread of fire could pose fatal threats, especially with smoke.
Upon learning of the fire, Council Member Christopher Marte swiftly responded. His office personnel went to the scene to assist the affected individuals in coordination with the Fire Department, the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the New York City Emergency Management Agency (NYCEM). Marte expressed gratitude in a statement for the rapid response and fire control by the New York Fire Department (FDNY), and mentioned collaborating with the Red Cross to ensure that all displaced residents receive shelter and basic services. Those in need of assistance can contact his office at 65 East Broadway.
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