A roaring, three-alarm fire broke out inside a Brooklyn apartment building early Monday, injuring at least 14 people, one critically, the FDNY says.
Fire officials say the fire began in a closet on the second floor of the building on 49th Street near 12th Avenue in Borough Park at about 4:30 a.m., quickly spreading up to the third and fourth floors. It appeared to be the result of a malfunctioning permanently installed gas heater.
Flames were doused for more than an hour before crews declared the blaze under control. Officials said there was no working smoke alarm in the apartment.
At least 14 people are hurt, one of whom was in critical condition, according to Deputy Chief Peter Leicht. A woman was trapped inside a bedroom, where firefighters got to her and pulled her to safety, he said.
Nine civilians are in stable condition and were able to escape to the roof, where firefighters got them down. Leicht said some children suffered injuries.
Four firefighters suffered minor injuries, fire officials said.
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Officials warned of traffic delays in the area and told people who live nearby to close their windows because of the smokey conditions the fire created.
The Department of Buildings issued a violation for obstructing the fire escape with a religious shed known as a Sukkah, which had been put in place for the Jewish holiday Sukkot. The DOB said it prevented egress.
