31 year old Firefighter Timothy Klein & 21 year old Carlos Richards died due to the three-alarm Brooklyn fire on Sunday afternoon. Timothy died from injuries sustained while he helped to battle the devastating fire. Carlos was later found on the second floor of the burned dwelling.
Eight other members of New York’s Bravest and a resident were injured in the inferno that ignited at about 1:39 p.m. on April 24 inside a residence at 108-26 Avenue N in Canarsie.
A spokesperson with the Mayor’s office indicated that a civilian who had been unaccounted for has been found dead at the location. The civilian, Carlos Richards, was autistic man that lived in the two family home with his mother.
According to the FDNY, the fire was located within the peaked roof of the residence, but the flames quickly spread — prompting the third alarm called at 2:12 p.m.
More than 100 firefighters from 33 rushed to the scene. Published reports indicated as many as eight firefighters were rushed to local hospitals; the FDNY dd not provide information about their conditions.
Four firefighters were responding to the inferno that rapidly became a three-alarm Brooklyn fire inside a private home. According to acting FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, it became evident that the building was unstable.
“The incident commander identified deteriorating conditions and ordered all members out of the building. As they were doing so there was a partial collapse of the ceiling. Four members were caught in that collapse. Three made it out and are stable in local hospitals at this time. But unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of our members on scene, and the staff here at Brookdale Hospital, one firefighter Timothy Klein, Ladder [Company] 170 did not make it out of that collapse,” Kavanagh said during an evening press conference.
“Our hearts are with the Klein family, who are experiencing the worst day of their lives, and we ask they be in your prayers,” Kavanagh added.
Fire Department sources said Timothy Klein was working on the nozzle team and went to the second floor to extinguish the flames. However, he and his colleagues quickly found themselves surrounded by fire. Three firefighters were able to escape the flames by jumping out of windows and climbing down ladders.
Today @NYCMayor Eric Adams and Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the line of duty death of Firefighter Timothy Klein, 31, a six-year veteran of the Department. Read more: https://t.co/7OjziwzboI pic.twitter.com/NLNQCUclm4
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 24, 2022
The lone injured resident was treated at the scene, but refused medical attention, Fire Department sources said.
Carlos Richard’s family are asking the community for some help paying for Richards’ funeral and finding his mother a new place to live after the Brooklyn fire destroyed the family’s home, via GoFundMe.
Our sister site, Brooklyn Paper; covered a tribute to Carlos Richard and his family..
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