Two Dead in Dyker Heights, No Smoke Detectors in Apartment Building Blaze
DYKER HEIGHTS – There were no working smoke detectors in the Dyker Heights building where fire left two dead and sent a handful of others to the hospital this morning.
The fire, at 6709 11th Avenue, broke out this morning around 7:00 am. 25 units and 106 firefighters responded to the 2nd alarm fire and had the blaze under control by 8:15 am, said the FDNY.
Once the fire was extinguished, EMS on the scene found a 58-year man and 56-year old woman unconscious and unresponsive in a third floor apartment, said police. The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Additionally, a man and a woman in their 30s, along with a 4-year old girl and 3-month old boy were transported to Maimonides Hospital in stable condition to be treated for smoke inhalation, said police. Three firefighters also suffered minor injuries fighting the fire.
A tweet from the FDNY quoted Fire Chief Leonard, cautioning that smoke detectors will give early warning for fires.
Heavy fire condition throughout building, quickly went to a 2nd alarm. There was no evidence of any working smoke detectors in the building. A smoke alarm will give you early warning at any type of fire –#FDNY COD Leonard regarding this morning’s 2-alarm fire, 6709 11 Ave BK
— FDNY (@FDNY) November 9, 2017
While the lack of smoke detectors may have contributed to the deaths in this morning’s fire, the Fire Marshall will determine the cause of the blaze, and an investigation is underway.