Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson is determined not to let the recent wave of tragic fires in the Bronx resemble the deliberate “burning” of Black and Latino neighborhoods in the borough that was characteristic of the 1970s. Her office has launched a series of public fire safety workshops to educate seniors, families, and public housing residents throughout the month. The events are supported by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
“We are grateful to the FDNY and our community partners for joining us this winter here at the Bronx Zoo for the relaunch of our Fire Safety Education Workshop series,” said Gibson. “In the Bronx, we have seen more than our fair share of fires that have led to families being displaced and communities forever changed. We are working strategically to get this potentially life-saving information out to those who need it the most and equip our residents with the tools to keep themselves and their families safe.”
This January, Gibson hosted a wreath-laying ceremony while flags outside Bronx Borough Hall were flown at half-staff to commemorate the lives of 17 victims lost during the deadly fire at Twin Parks North West two years ago. That fire was caused by a malfunctioning space heater combined with the building’s faulty self-closing doors. The victims died from smoke inhalation in what has been called “New York City’s deadliest (fire) in over 30 years.”
Fast-forward to last year’s deadly fire involving the explosion of an e-bike lithium ion battery at NYCHA’s Bronx River Houses. One man was killed immediately, six others were injured, and another person later died at the hospital. E-bike batteries are now the leading cause of fires in the city, according to Laura Kavanagh, FDNY Commissioner.
There also was a series of apartment fires in buildings in 2023 that left three residents dead and several people hospitalized last month.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, Gibson held the first fire safety workshop at Regional Aid for Interim Needs (R.A.I.N.) Parkchester Older Adults Center (1380 Metropolitan Avenue). Gibson joined 60 seniors who attended the workshop, run by Dr. Anderson Torres, president and CEO of R.A.I.N., along with the FDNY.
The workshop demonstrated fire prevention tips and how to properly use a fire extinguisher. The FDNY also stressed the importance of having smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed that work and an escape plan in case of an emergency to a fire escape window, or at least a stairway with a clear and unobstructed path. Residents could also obtain fire and carbon-monoxide alarms installed by the FDNY for free.
Other safety tips mentioned include knowing if you live in a fireproof building, remembering to place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that burns, and making sure not to leave candles burning. The FDNY advised that seniors in particular not smoke in bed or while lying down, use an oven to heat an apartment, use water to put out a kitchen fire, wear loose-fitting clothing while cooking, or use heating equipment with damaged cords.
The next workshop was held at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Family Hall. Attendees received free tickets to the Bronx Zoo and admission to one free exhibit.
“We were honored at the Bronx Zoo to serve as a gathering place for Bronx families by hosting a fire safety event with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the FDNY,” said John Calvelli, executive vice president of public affairs of the Wildlife Conservation Society in a statement. “Fires have a long history of devastation in the Bronx and it is more important than ever that residents are informed with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves, their families, and their homes.”
Close to 50 participants, including children, gathered in the Schiff Family Great Hall for the workshop, which addressed how to escape house fires, the importance of using a strip cord, how to receive free fire and carbon monoxide alarms installed by the American Red Cross, and other fire preventive information.
Fire Safety Education Workshops will be held this month at:
February 9, 2024
CB 7, Tracy Towers
40 West Mosholu Parkway South
Bronx, NY 10468
February 15, 2024
P.S. 51 Bronx STEM & Arts Academy
695 E. 182nd Street
Bronx, NY 10457
February 24, 2024
1471–73 Watson Avenue Resident Council, Inc.
1471 Watson Avenue
Bronx, NY 10472
February 26, 2024
CB 12, Public Safety Committee
4101 White Plains Road
Bronx, NY 10466
Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.