Earlier this year, headlines showed the effects of a raging fire in a Queens apartment complex that devastated the entire building. While most would like to believe that these types of harrowing events are uncommon, the truth is that these risks are increased tenfold because of the dense population of the city. This real-life example of an apartment fire reminds every New York City resident that fire safety is critical- not just for you, but for your neighbors. If you or someone you know has been a victim of an apartment fire and suffered injuries, contact an experienced Fire injury Lawyer NYC as soon as possible.
What Happened?
According to NBC 4 New York fire officials say an overloaded power strip appears to have caused the eight-alarm inferno that devoured a Queens apartment building earlier this month, displacing about 90 families and leaving nearly two dozen people hurt.
In addition to the close proximity of the units, the fire grew as residents failed to call 911 immediately. While smoke detectors were present and functioning properly, residents cited confusion over whether or not the sounding alarms were legitimate. In total, over ten minutes had passed since the start of the fire before authorities were contacted and notified. Once the top-floor resident noticed the fire and fled, they left the front door open, allowing the blaze to spread rapidly. This significant time delay caused over 90 families to be displaced.
Over 20 people were injured, many of them being New York City firefighters, and it took approximately 12 hours for firefighters to contain the blaze.
Key Takeaways.
While this fire made headlines in April, this isn’t the first or last time this type of tragedy will hit New Yorkers. The sheer architecture of these buildings potentially puts every resident at risk for fire injuries, or even death.
Fire safety knowledge is critical for everyone, including not overloading power strips, never leaving stoves or ovens unattended, being aware of fire escape routes and strategies, and ensuring you have a plan for your loved ones and pets.
Contacting a Fire Injury Lawyer
Fires have the potential to cause devastating and life-threatening injuries within seconds. If you or someone you know has suffered a fire injury, let us help you fight for your rights and hold those responsible accountable for your trauma and injuries. Contact our NYC Fire Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation or call 212-779-7070
