INWOOD, Manhattan (WABC) — Three people died and five others were critically injured after fire raged through multiple levels of an Inwood apartment building.<\/p>\n
Firefighters arrived to see multiple residents attempting to climb down fire escapes on Dyckman Street just after 12:35 a.m. Monday.<\/p>\n
Flames shot through the building’s one stairwell, from “the first floor in a public hall that was rapidly extending up the stairs,” FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito said.<\/p>\n
Firefighters stretched multiple hose lines up fire escapes, while simultaneously trying to rescue residents from fire escapes in the front and rear of the building.<\/p>\n
Despite rescue attempts, three people perished in the fire and smoke.<\/p>\n
Five others were left in critical condition and another four residents had non-life-threatening injuries. A firefighter was also hurt.<\/p>\n
The blaze incinerated eight apartments, and about 100 residents were left homeless.<\/p>\n
Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said many residents left their apartment doors open, allowing fire to spread.<\/p>\n
“The apartments that had their doors closed had very little impact, no fire. The apartments that had doors open had more impact, more fire. ‘Close the door’ is an important message we need everybody to understand,” Bonsignore said.<\/p>\n
Closed doors can help lessen or even completely prevent the spread of fire, which is why it’s better to sleep with bedroom doors closed.<\/p>\n
The cause of the fire is under investigation.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * More Manhattan news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts on the go<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n