Six Dead in Brooklyn Sunset Park Three-Alarm House Fire

A three-alarm fire killed six people early Thursday at a two-story home at 653 58th Street in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood, according to the FDNY as reported by ABC7 New York and News 12 Brooklyn.

The blaze was reported just before 1:40 a.m. Officials told ABC7 it appeared to have started on the second floor before spreading through the building. News 12 said the fire escalated to two alarms at 1:46 a.m., extending to the building next door, and to three alarms at 2:10 a.m. About 231 fire and EMS personnel responded. The main body of the fire was knocked down just before 2:40 a.m., News 12 reported.

Deaths and injuries

Four adults were pronounced dead at the scene, ABC7 reported. A man and a woman died while being taken to a hospital. News 12 said one other person sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and that six others, including three firefighters, had minor injuries. ABC7 said four residents and three firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries and that another victim was in critical condition. Ages of the dead were not released.

Batteries and investigation

Hazmat crews were called after lithium-ion batteries were found at the scene, both outlets reported. ABC7 said investigators are working to determine whether the batteries played any role. The Department of Buildings and the American Red Cross were also at the scene, News 12 said, and the Red Cross is helping residents displaced by the fire with temporary housing.

Developing: The FDNY has not released a cause, victim identities or ages, and the investigation remains open.

Sources: ABC7 New York, News 12 Brooklyn.