Parked Cars Block Hydrant near Fatal Fire in The Bronx

February 12, 2025 BRONX, New York – Two people were killed after a fire broke out in a religious temple early Wednesday morning in the Bronx, FDNY officials said 

The blaze escalated and extended to a nearby residence next to the Buddhist temple, where firefighters located both fire victims. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and the other victim was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital but did not survive their injuries and was pronounced deceased 

Cars blocking a hydrant closest to the affected buildings were left ticketed after illegally parking and possibly hindering FDNY operations, just days after similar tragic incident in Brooklyn.

“We did, unfortunately, have a car parked on the closest fire hydrant. We’ve seen that now a couple of times in the last week or so throughout the city,” FDNY Chief John Esposito said during a press conference from the scene of the deadly fire.

The Red Cross was also at the fire site to help multiple displaced individuals. 

FDNY officials said around 140 firefighters worked to battle the early morning blaze where the investigation into the cause is ongoing.