Bath Beach, NY (January 15, 2025) – A devastating two-alarm fire at an apartment building on 65 Bay 19th St in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, has left sixteen people injured, including three in critical condition. The fire, which broke out early this morning, drew a massive response from emergency personnel as they worked to rescue trapped individuals and bring the blaze under control.
The incident was first reported to authorities at approximately 6:21 AM, with firefighters arriving shortly thereafter. As the fire spread, it trapped multiple individuals inside the building. Fire crews worked diligently to rescue people from fire escapes and stairwells. Tragically, two children and an adult found in a hallway suffered life-threatening injuries and were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
In addition to the critically injured, six firefighters and seven civilians sustained minor injuries and received medical care. Three firefighters with minor injuries were transported to a hospital for further evaluation. Fire operations continued for hours, with the main body of the fire being declared under control by 8:02 AM.
Investigators are assessing the cause of the fire while firefighters conduct safety checks to ensure the surrounding structures remain unaffected. The apartment building sustained significant damage, and authorities are working to assist displaced residents with the help of local organizations.
Our thoughts go to the victims as we hope for their recovery.
Apartment Fires in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is no stranger to residential fires, with densely populated neighborhoods like Bath Beach often seeing incidents due to a combination of aging infrastructure and high residential density. Fires in apartment buildings pose significant risks to residents and firefighters alike, particularly when evacuation routes are blocked, or fire safety systems are compromised.
Residents are encouraged to have functioning smoke alarms, practice fire escape plans, and remain vigilant about fire hazards, especially in multi-family dwellings. Awareness of building fire codes and maintenance of safety equipment are vital to reducing the likelihood of such tragedies.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a fire, local resources and organizations are available to provide support, including temporary housing and assistance with recovery.
For more information or to receive help after a fire-related incident, contact Local Accident Reports.