2 firefighters among 15 hurt in 2-alarm fire in Upper Manhattan

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A two-alarm fire in an Inwood apartment building injured more than a dozen people, including two firefighters, on Tuesday morning, ABC News 7 informs.

The fire broke out at 8:24 a.m. in the building on West 204th Street. Firefighters from the FDNY brought the blaze under control by 10 a.m., but not before it caused significant damage to two apartments.

"Initially, we had about eight units on scene battling the fire. It escalated to a second alarm due to multiple victims and heavy smoke and dangerous conditions throughout," said FDNY Deputy Chief Sean Murphy.

A total of 15 people, including two firefighters, were injured and taken to the hospital. One person is in serious condition, while most injuries were due to smoke inhalation.

Leonard Rzepnicki, a resident who said the fire started in his apartment. "I heard noises behind the radiator, little pops. Then I pulled the bedstand out, and it started smoking. The fire spread to the closet—everything’s connected through the wires, which are about 100 years old," Rzepnicki explained.

Another resident, Yamilex Ramirez, said the fire destroyed the apartment she shared with her husband and three young children. The family had moved in only three months earlier after spending a year in a shelter waiting for housing assistance.

The fire devastated their plans for the holidays, including their Christmas tree and Thanksgiving dinner.

Both the Ramirez family and Rzepnicki are among the displaced residents receiving emergency assistance from the Red Cross.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected, especially right before the holiday," said Frederic Klein of the Red Cross. "We've registered three households—11 individuals, including five children—for emergency assistance. We’re providing temporary lodging, financial help, food, clothing, and toiletries to support them during this difficult time."

The Red Cross typically offers aid for 24 to 72 hours after a fire, but efforts may extend during the holiday season. Meanwhile, affected New Yorkers can seek longer-term solutions through city services and other nonprofits.

While the entire building was impacted, the NYC Department of Buildings issued a vacate order for three apartments. Other residents are allowed to return but will face significant cleanup.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.