A two-alarm Brooklyn house fire on Monday night claimed the life of a man apparently overcome by smoke in the basement, authorities said.
Fire Department sources said the blaze ignited at about 10:05 p.m. on May 16 inside a bungalow at 25 Brighton 5th Lane in Brighton Beach.
The first arriving units encountered heavy fire emanating from the doors and windows. As firefighters moved in, they located the man, who was trapped in the basement.
More than 100 firefighters worked with four hose lines at the scene to knock the fire down.
Meanwhile, firefighters were eventually able to get to the man, though he was unconscious by that time.
EMS rushed him to Coney Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Police have withheld the man’s identity, pending family notification.
The fire was brought under control at about 11:30 p.m. Monday night. Fire marshals are now working to determine its cause.
