A man is in critical condition after a fire engulfed his apartment on the top floor of a Bronx apartment building, FDNY officials said. According to a report in the New York Daily News, the fire began in a six-story building in Bronx Park East and Thwaites Place in Pelham Parkway the afternoon of Aug. 8. When they arrived at the scene, firefighters found a man unconscious and unresponsive in an apartment on the top floor where officials say the fire originated.
First responders rushed the victim to Jacobi Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Firefighters were able to put out the fire and confine it to one apartment, officials said. Another civilian suffered smoke inhalation injuries. A firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries as well and was also transported to Jacobi Hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was injured in this fire. We wish them all as speedy and full recovery.
Smoke inhalation injuries are a leading cause of death and serious harm in building fires, often more dangerous than burns themselves. When a person breathes in smoke, they are exposed to a toxic mix of hot gases, chemicals and microscopic particles. These can damage the airways, lungs and bloodstream within minutes.
One major danger is oxygen displacement. Smoke reduces the oxygen available to breathe leading to hypoxia, confusion and loss of consciousness. Inhaled irritants like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide can poison the body impairing the brain, heart and other vital organs. The heat from smoke can burn delicate respiratory tissues, causing swelling that blocks airflow.
Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, headaches and singed nasal hairs. Some effects, such as airway swelling or carbon monoxide poisoning, can be delayed and worsen rapidly. Immediate medical attention is critical after any smoke exposure. Treatment may involve oxygen therapy, bronchodilators or advanced airway management.
Structural fires can originate from numerous causes often linked to human error, equipment failure or unsafe conditions. Electrical issues such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits or malfunctioning appliances are among the most common. Heating equipment like space heaters and furnaces can spark fires if placed too close to flammable materials.
Liability for a structural fire depends on its cause and the parties’ legal responsibilities. A property owner or property manager can be liable if they failed to maintain electrical systems, fire alarms or sprinklers. Manufacturers can be held responsible if defective appliances or products caused the fire. Contractors may face liability for negligent (careless) repairs or installations. In cases of arson, the individual who intentionally set the fire bears criminal and civil responsibility.
Proving liability often requires expert investigation into fire origin and cause. Victims may pursue compensation for property loss, injuries, and other damages from the responsible party’s insurance or through legal action, depending on the circumstances and local laws.
Whether you have been living as a tenant at a private apartment complex or in a public housing unit (NYCHA) (the Projects), please remember that you have legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous conditions, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. For over 53 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of assisting injured victims. One of our clients — a hot water burn victim — secured $750,000 in damages from the property owner and manager.
Our firm also obtained a $985,000 settlement out of a $1 million insurance policy for two people who suffered smoke inhalation injuries because the homeowner did not have smoke detectors installed and the $15,000 that was left on the insurance policy was for a person that we did not represent. Another of our clients recovered $2,500,000 due to a faulty space heater. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/08/man-critical-condition-fire-bronx-apartment-building/