'Pray for us': Bronx residents displaced by massive fire grieve, seek support
BRONX - Dozens of families in the Bronx are still grappling with the devastating aftermath of a massive fire that destroyed their homes and displaced them to temporary housing.
Fire turns lives upside down overnight
What we know:
The fire broke out early Friday morning on the sixth floor of an apartment complex located at 2910 Wallace Avenue, leaving the building dark and uninhabitable.
Seven people were injured, including five firefighters as a result of the blaze, which at one point briefly reignited in the afternoon.
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Bronx fire displaces hundreds, leaves lingering questions over building conditions
Investigators are continuing to look into the cause of an apartment building fire in the Bronx that left over 250 people homeless, as some residents say desperation due to poor heating conditions in the building may have led to the fire.
A newly constructed sidewalk shed was installed over the weekend as a safety measure for passersby near the severely damaged six-story building.
The New York City Department of Buildings placed the building under a full vacation order, leaving more than 250 people living in temporary housing.
Fire's victims grieve, express frustration
What they're saying:
The fire was devastating for residents like Anthony Randolph, who lived on the floor where the fire began and lost everything.
"My son passed away a year and a half ago. His ashes were in the house, now they're gone. I don't even have his ashes anymore," Randolph said.
Randolph and some of the displaced families say they are disappointed with the city's support for victims of the fire.
"We work in New York, we pay taxes here, and you want to give us three days and a hotel, but other people that came in from other places, you give them months in a hotel," Randolph said.
What's next:
The nonprofit group Disciples of Halilee has been on the ground, helping displaced residents with whatever resources and assistance they can as victims of the fire try and rebuild their lives.
"Started giving out knitted hats, gloves, scarves, coats," said Max Acosta, the co-founder of Disciples of Galilee. "Just to come there and give them some hope and be the light in their darkness."
Apartment building's heating conditions questioned
The backstory:
Questions have been raised over heating conditions in the building that caught on fire.
According to city records, the building received 239 heat-related complaints in the last three years, including 11 this month.
While the building’s boiler passed its most recent inspection, residents who spoke with FOX 5 NY described living conditions as unbearably cold, potentially leading some to use space heaters.
A representative for the building claimed there was heat