Overview
- The blaze tore through a two‑story row house in Sunset Park early Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, prompting a three‑alarm response with more than 200 fire and EMS personnel.
- Four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more died after being taken to hospitals, while seven others were treated for injuries that include three firefighters and two police officers.
- Firefighters rescued occupants trapped behind window bars and worked around a partially collapsed staircase that complicated interior access during the rescue and suppression effort.
- Hazmat teams recovered lithium‑ion batteries and damaged e‑bike frames at the property and the FDNY fire marshal is investigating whether a battery sparked or worsened the fire.
- Eight displaced residents are receiving temporary housing and city leaders have pledged support as the incident adds urgency to citywide efforts to address rising battery‑related fires and safer charging options.