Six injured in fire at apartment building in New York’s Washington Heights

Six people, including one civilian and five firefighters, were injured in a fire that broke out Tuesday morning on the top floor of an apartment building in Washington Heights, an area known as “Little Dominican Republic.”

According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the emergency began at 11:17 a.m. on the fifth floor of the building at 598 West 178th Street, near St. Nicholas Avenue. Images shared by witnesses showed intense flames pouring from windows on the upper floor.

The injured civilian was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center for medical treatment. Authorities have not released the person’s identity, pending notification of family members. The severity of the civilian’s injuries, as well as the conditions of the five firefighters, has not been disclosed.

Two-alarm fire draws more than 140 emergency personnel

The FDNY upgraded the incident to a two-alarm fire at 11:32 a.m. A total of 46 units and 141 personnel, including firefighters and emergency medical services workers, responded to the scene, according to Univision 41.

Emergency crews worked for hours to bring the fire under control. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.