Bronx Fire

Bronx Fire Death Toll Revised to 17, Malfunctioning Space Heater Blamed

Electric heater malfunction caused blaze that killed 17, says New York City Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro

Door in high-rise building may have malfunctioned, mayor says

New York City officials have revised the number of people killed in a fire at a Bronx apartment building on Sunday to 17, including 8 children. The fire started in a duplex apartment on a low floor of the building.

Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro said a malfunctioning electric space heater caused the blaze. The main fire safety system in the building failed, contributing to the high number of casualties.

Mayor Eric Adams said a door in the high-rise building may have malfunctioned, allowing smoke to spread throughout the building. The mayor also said the city is working to provide support to the victims and their families.

The fire is the deadliest in New York City since 2017, when a blaze in a Bronx apartment building killed 13 people, including 4 children.

The New York Times has reported that the building where the fire occurred had a history of fire safety violations. The building's owner, Bronx Park Phase III Preservation LLC, has been cited for multiple violations, including failure to maintain smoke detectors and fire alarms.