Two civilians and five firefighters were injured in a building fire in Brooklyn the night of Aug. 31. According to an AMNY news report, the blaze started on the first floor of a three-story private residence at 205, 27th Street in Greenwood Heights. FDNY rushed to the scene to find heavy smoke billowing from the first and second floors of the dwelling, the media outlet reports. Firefighters used three hose lines to extinguish the fire.
Seven people, including five firefighters, were injured in the fire. Paramedics transported the victims to local hospitals in stable condition, officials said. One neighbor said smoke blanketed the entire street making it hard even to see the building that was affected. The cause of the fire is not known. The investigation is ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this fire. We wish them the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Potential for Injuries in a Fire
A building fire presents numerous risks that can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. The most immediate danger is smoke inhalation, which can quickly overwhelm occupants, leading to suffocation, unconsciousness or long-term respiratory damage. Exposure to toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide can be just as lethal as flames themselves.
Thermal injuries are another major concern. Direct contact with flames or heated surfaces can cause burns ranging from superficial to life-threatening third-degree burns. Even without direct flame contact, extreme heat can damage skin, eyes and internal organs. Explosions from gas lines, electrical systems or chemical storage can lead to blunt force trauma, lacerations or crush injuries.
During evacuation, falls and physical trauma are common. Poor visibility, panic and overcrowded exits may cause people to trip, fall down stairs or sometimes, even be trampled. Collapsing ceilings, walls or structural elements also pose serious risks. Additionally, firefighters and first responders face the danger of overexertion, heat exhaustion and smoke exposure while carrying out rescues.
Building Owner’s/Manager’s Responsibilities
Property owners and managers carry significant legal responsibilities when it comes to fire safety in residential buildings. Their primary duty is to provide tenants with a safe living environment that complies with local building and fire codes. Property owners and managers have a legal responsibility to install and maintain smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Regular inspections of electrical systems, heating equipment and common areas are critical to reducing fire risks. Failure to install and/or maintain these systems can be considered negligence (carelessness).
Property owners/managers are also responsible for ensuring safe and accessible exits. Hallways, stairwells and fire escapes must remain clear of obstructions, and emergency exit signs must be illuminated and visible. In an emergency, tenants must be able to evacuate quickly and safely. Another key obligation is communication and education. Property owners/managers should inform tenants about fire safety procedures, evacuation plans and proper use of appliances or building facilities. Posting fire safety notices in common areas can further reinforce preparedness.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
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.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://www.amny.com/news/brooklyn-fire-greenwood-heights-08312025/