Four people were critically injured when a blaze tore through an Upper Manhattan apartment building Sunday afternoon.
Fire officials said an e-bike was found in the home where the fire started but that they don’t believe it sparked the flames.
The FDNY said the fourth-floor apartment at 565 W. 190th St. in Fort George caught fire about 1 p.m., blowing out windows in the building and drawing about 75 firefighters to the scene.
“Units responded in three minutes, and were met w/ heavy fire conditions,” the FDNY tweeted around 4:30 p.m.
It took Bravest about an hour to knock down the blaze, which also left parts of the five-story building blackened and burned.
Authorities brought four people to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where they are listed in critical condition but expected to survive, law-enforcement sources said.
“I was asleep when the fire happened,” Luis Sanchez, a 23-year-old restaurant server, told The Post. “My brother woke me up, fortunately. When I opened the door, we were hit by smoke — the smoke hit me right in the face.
“There’s been a few fires here, but this is the worst one,” he said. “My apartment has water damage. There’s broken glass all over the building, too.”
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Sanchez said an older woman lives with her nieces, nephews and a home aide in the apartment where the flames broke out.
“I’ve known the old lady since I was a kid,” Sanchez said. “The grandma’s grandson taught me karate when I was younger. I hope she’s OK.”
A burnt-out scooter sat in front of the building Sunday, and Sanchez said it belonged to apartment 4A, where the fire broke out.
Last year, there were at least 219 fires caused by e-bike batteries, leaving six people dead and another 147 injured.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh said in a statement, “An e-bike was found in the apartment, and while it is not believed to be the cause of the fire, we want to remind New Yorkers of the dangers these devices can present and the steps they can take to reduce the danger to their families and first responders.
“Do not charge them overnight, or when you’re not present. Do not place them in front of exits or windows, preventing you from getting out in a fire. Check for approved safety certifications, and follow manufacturer’s recommendations, including not using damaged or after-market batteries. Visit FDNYsmart.org for our full list of fire safety tips.
“We ask everyone keep the victims of todays fire in their prayers.”
