Hamilton Heights, Manhattan (WABC) — Dozens of residents were forced out of their homes after a 5-alarm fire broke out Saturday morning at a Hamilton Heights apartment building.
Authorities say the fire started at 617 W.141st St. around 2 p.m.
Resident Evelyn Cabrera said, “Instantly, the flames came up, so fast, so fast.”
Residents like Tiffany watched in disbelief as firefighters rummaged through her belongings.
Tiffany said, “Once the fire became such a huge fire that it’s taking over the whole roof it was like wow, am I going to lose my apartment, am I going to lose my whole 25 years of living here.” I’m leaving.”
The fire destroyed the top floor of the building and the cockloft.
The fire was so severe that it sent 8 firefighters to the hospital.
The fire marshal says the blaze in Upper Manhattan was accidental and was caused by electrical wiring in a top-floor ceiling.
FDNY Chief John Hodgens said, “The fire came in as the smell of smoke and our units went inside looking for the smell. We found the fire on the top floor, which is the sixth floor and it was already pretty advanced.” “
The Red Cross says it is helping 37 families, 109 people displaced by the fire. None of the residents have been able to reenter their units from the building.
Residents told Eyewitness News that they are confused as to what will happen next, as they do not know what damage has been done inside their apartments. The Red Cross is helping the displaced.
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