FDNY firefighters in the Bronx were dispatched to Westchester Avenue for the report of a fire in a store. On arrival, companies found fire showing from a storefront and quickly went to work forcing entry and stretching lines. Crews were making good progress on the fire with an aggressive interior attack when popping started being heard deep within the store. Command ordered everyone to evacuate the building as the fire rapidly grew, extending up the two-story taxpayer and into the bravo exposure. After evaluating the scene the decision was made to go defensive. Multiple tower ladders were put into operation and crews worked to knock down large pockets of fire. As firefighters worked this fire, an EMS crew member was assaulted by a civilian faking an injury on scene; the citizen was arrested.
– Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com, Lloyd Mitchell and PuckStopperPhotography.com
