Only two weeks into the new year, and tragedy has already struck a bustling neighborhood in Brooklyn. In the early morning hours of January 15, 2025, an apartment building located at 65 Bay 19th Street in the Bath Beach area was the scene of an intense fire. In all, 16 people were injured, including three building residents in critical condition at area hospitals.
The Fire
Categorized as a two-alarm blaze, flames first erupted on the first floor of the six-floor brick structure around 6:15 a.m. By the time firefighters arrived from Battalion 42 in Brooklyn, heavy fire was reported emanating from the windows and threatening to spread to levels above. As the fire grew, it was discovered that several building residents were trapped inside on the second floor. Firefighters were able to penetrate the 2nd-story apartment, where they found one adult and two children. Those were the victims transported to area hospitals in critical condition after receiving care from first responders at the scene.Flames continued to spread on the first and second floors; investigators later determined that fire doors did not close properly, allowing oxygen to stoke the fire. As a result, the building quickly filled with thick smoke and high temperatures, complicating the control efforts by firemen with Battalion 42. Stairwells were rendered nearly impossible to navigate. Luckily, other escape routes were found and residents continued to evacuate the stricken building. Other residents remained in their apartments, opening windows to let smoke escape.
Injuries and Fire Suppression
In addition to the adult and two children found on the second floor, four other residents were injured along with six firefighters. The firefighters and other residents were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The blaze was brought under control nearly two hours after it first erupted, thanks to the tireless efforts of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the use of three hose lines.
FDNY
investigators continue to probe the cause of the fire and to determine if negligence or neglect resulted in both the fire’s spread and resident injuries.
