A tragic fire engulfed a Buddhist temple in the Bronx early Wednesday, leading to two fatalities. The incident coincides with concerns over illegally parked vehicles blocking fire hydrants, which complicates emergency response. Firefighters battled blazes in two connected buildings, with one victim found dead at the scene and another succumbing to injuries at a hospital. Officials emphasize that while firefighters are trained, clear access to hydrants is crucial for swift action during emergencies, particularly when lives are at stake.
New York City law prohibits parking within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant, and people can be fined $115 for doing so.
Vehicles parked in front of hydrants can often slow down firefighters' access to water, Chief Esposito said.
Our firefighters are very well-trained. But certainly if those hydrants were not blocked, it's a little bit of a smoother, quicker operation for us.
One person died at the scene of the fire, and the other was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, according to Mark Bonilla.
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