Man Dies in Hamilton Heights Apartment Fire

An 80-year-old man died after a blaze began on the third level of a six-story apartment building on Riverside Drive in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan, early on November 9. Firefighters arrived shortly before 1:30 a.m. Flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from a window.

The fire escalated to two alarms within 20 minutes, bringing more than 140 fire and emergency medical personnel to the scene. Firefighters sprayed water inside the apartment. The FDNY said it was heavily cluttered; one firefighter used a pike pole to pull items out and onto the ground. The man died at the location.

A woman, aged 52, was transported to Harlem Hospital for smoke inhalation and was in stable condition. Another person had minor injuries and declined medical attention. Two firefighters were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries, bringing the number of injured to four.

Some residents on the fourth floor escaped by stairs or fire escape, taking what they could with them. The Red Cross distributed blankets to residents, and about 16 people were displaced. The city’s Department of Buildings was at the scene to investigate. Investigators have yet to determine what caused the blaze.