By SÍLE MOLONEY
SMOKE BILLOWS FROM a burning car at 3581 Jerome Avenue parking lot on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photp by Síle Moloney
A male driver is safe after his car ignited when he turned the key in the engine as it was parked inside an elevated parking lot in the Norwood section of the Bronx on Saturday morning, March 28.
Car ignites at 3581 Jerome Ave Parking Lot March 28, 2026 V1 Video by Síle Moloney
An FDNY spokesperson said the department received a 911 call on Saturday, March 28, at 11.47 a.m. for a report of a car fire at 3510 Jerome Avenue, a parking lot located between East 212th Street and East Gun Hill Road and responded to the scene. The car was seen with severe damage to the engine and inside dashboard.
The fire was on the top floor of parking garage. They said no injuries were reported and the incident closed normally at 12.45 p.m.
Speaking to Norwood News, the male driver, Marttise H, said, “My car is a total loss. I was on my way to church, started the engine, heard a pop and got out, checked under the hood, and saw the flames, closed the hood, and called the fire department.”
SMOKE BILLOWS FROM a burning car at 3581 Jerome Avenue parking lot on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photp by Síle Moloney
Marttis continued, “The engine and transmission are total losses.” Asked if he was on his own, he said, “No, I was my myself.” Asked if his belongings had been damaged, he said, “The stuff in the trunk is fine.”
We asked when was the last time he had it serviced, he said a few weeks ago. We asked if he’d been given a sign off that everyone was good, and he said, “Mmhmm.”
SMOKE BILLOWS FROM a burning car at 3581 Jerome Avenue parking lot on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photp by Síle Moloney
Thank you to the FDNY for coming here in a timely manner and doing what they do best and keeping us safe and doing their best for the property. Those guys are real heroes.”
We mentioned that the firefighters on scene confirmed to Norwood News that they belonged to a different unit to the one that had been involved in the fire that broke out at the firehouse for Engine 79/Ladder 37 on 2928 Briggs Avenue in Bedford Park the previous day, Friday, March 27. Norwood News has followed up with the FDNY press office to ask which one responded and will confirm shortly.
SMOKE BILLOWS FROM a burning car at 3581 Jerome Avenue parking lot on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photp by Síle Moloney
During a press conference on Friday, it was confirmed that the Bedford Park firehouse was expected to be inoperational for at least the remainder of Friday, officials said. Fourteen firefighters were injured following the early morning fire that day. Read more here. here.
“Yeah, they were true professionals, polite, courteous and I’m just grateful that they kept me safe and that everybody else’s car is safe,” Marttise added. “You know cars can be replaced, lives cannot and I’m grateful to still be able to be here and talk to you.”
SMOKE BILLOWS FROM a burning car at 3581 Jerome Avenue parking lot on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photp by Síle Moloney
As reported, several small businesses were damaged on East Gun Hill Road in the Laconia section of the East Bronx on March 6. The latest fires have prompted Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the FDNY to launch a further series of fire education and safety workshops across the borough.
FDNY responds to a car fire at 3581 Jerome Ave Parking Lot March 28, 2026 V2 Video by Síle Moloney
On March 18, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced that, in conjunction with the FDNY, in response to the high number of fires experienced across the borough in recent times, fire education and safety workshops would be rolled out across the borough in the weeks ahead. “We hope that you will find the time to attend one of these important workshops for you and your family,” she said.
SMOKE BILLOWS FROM a burning car at 3581 Jerome Avenue parking lot on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photp by Síle Moloney
“From smoke alarm demonstrations, to common causes of fires, our community is learning emergency preparedness tips on how to stay safe and ready in any situation,” she added, “Find a workshop that works best for you and your family. Locations are listed on our website.”
FIRE SAFETY WORKSHOP dates Part I
Source: The Office of the Bronx Borough President
As reported, two injuries were reported following a recent residential fire in the Norwood section of the Bronx on Decatur Avenue on March 13.
A DAMAGED FIRE truck is seen at 2928 Briggs Avenue, a two-story (50X120) firehouse and headquarters of Engine 79/Ladder 37 in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx on Friday, March 27, 2026, after an early morning fire.
Photo by Síle Moloney
Click here to read FDNY’s fire safety tips. “During a fire, always close the door behind you!” fire officials say. “It helps contain smoke and flames, giving you precious time to escape.”
FIRE SAFETY WORKSHOP dates Part II
Source: The Office of the Bronx Borough President