4 Alarm Fire on Van Nest Avenue
                    By Robert Press

  The fire started at around 1 PM, and as the first fire trucks pulled up to 724 Van Nest Avenue a few minutes later 724 Van Nest Avenue and adjoining buildings were engulfed in flames. Smoke could be seen as far away as the George Washington Bridge, and the fire quickly went to a second alarm. As more and more fire and emergency units arrived the fire went to four alarms. The Bx22 and Bx39 had to be detoured around the fire equipment that was lined up and down White Plains Road.

  The Bronx assistant Fire Chief on the scene said that the fire started in 724 Van Nest Avenue a three story wood frame structure, and quickly spread to three adjoining buildings. 200 firefighters were on hand to battle the blaze which injured 9 firefighters (none seriously), even though several were taken to Jacobi Hospital. The FDNY declared the blaze under control at 3:30PM about 2 1/2 hours after it started. On hand at the fire were several city agencies including the Buildings Department which said that 724 Van Nest Avenue (where it was said the fire started) would have to be demolished. The three other buildings appeared to be able to be repaired, but they will have to pass inspection by the Buildings Department first. 

  While Con Edison was called to the scene, representatives said that there were no reports of any gas leaks in the area, and no construction on gas lines in the area. Arson has not been ruled out as Fire Marshals were also on the scene due to the quick movement of the fire to adjoining buildings. The Fire Marshals will have a determination on just how the fire started in a few days.

Thick black smoke was visible from far away at 1:30PM

 

The fire was still not under control as we arrived on the scene

Firefighters here are battling the blaze from several ladder trucks

On the top right you can see another fire hose battling the fire

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