Two Dead in East Flatbush Blaze on Nostrand Ave

A pre-dawn fire destroyed parts of a three-story mixed-occupancy building in East Flatbush. The 911 call came at 6:49 a.m. for 1693 Nostrand Ave between Beverly and Cortelyou roads. Firefighters arrived to heavy flames on the second floor and found four people inside. Two people died at the scene, and two others suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. FDNY units brought the fire under control at 7:38 a.m. Investigators remained on scene, and fire marshals and origin-and-cause units handled the case. City officials noted an increase in fatal residential fires and urged residents to keep hallway and apartment doors closed. Safety guidance also emphasized smoke alarm testing, avoiding overloaded cords, keeping exits clear, and practicing escape plans.

"The 911 call reporting smoke and fire came in at 6:49 a.m. for 1693 Nostrand Ave., between Beverly and Cortelyou roads, where firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the building's second floor. Four people were discovered inside. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. FDNY units brought the fire under control at 7:38 a.m., and the cause and origin of the blaze remain under investigation, according to News 12 New York."

"Investigators stayed on scene through the morning, and city officials said the case will be handled by fire marshals and FDNY origin-and-cause units. The deadly blaze comes amid a broader uptick in fatal residential fires this year. FDNY officials told CBS New York that fire deaths have risen sharply compared with this time last year and again urged New Yorkers to keep hallway and apartment doors closed to slow the spread of smoke and flames."

"East Flatbush has been hit hard in recent months. In mid-April, a late-night fire on Kingston Avenue killed a mother and her son after firefighters said a power strip ignited, according to Spectrum News NY1. Neighbors and advocates often point to aging buildings, cluttered apartments and illegal conversions as the kind of conditions that can turn a small spark into a deadly disaster."

"FDNY safety guidance highlights a handful of simple steps that can save lives: regularly test smoke alarms, avoid overloading extension cords and power strips, keep exits and hallways clear and practice an escape plan, especially for seniors or anyone with mobility challenges."

Read at Hoodline