Lower East Side Fire

At 5:36 this evening, a fire broke out on Houston St. and Avenue A, right across the street of the famous Katz’s deli. Residents of 240 E. Houston St. were quickly evacuated as the fire spread downward from the roof. Fire trucks and police closed off the street as passer-bys stared at the building from sidewalks blocked off by police tape. Sirens were blasting as more and more firefighters arrived on the scene.
“I live on the fifth floor,” said Trigger, who was standing at his window, trying to fix a broken latch when he noticed flames, coming from the roof that was under construction.
Trigger, wearing a Bamboo hat and towering over the crowd said that he was pounding on doors on his floor, trying to warn them, until firefighters came and took over. “They were so calm and nice. I have nothing but respect for them,” said Trigger.
“Three firefighters had minor injuries, but everyone got out safely,” said Fire Chief Pfeifer.
“The fire started on the roof,” said Fire Chief Joseph Pfeifer. “It quickly spread down the five stories, and we had to break down windows and doors. What started the fire is still under investigation. The fire is under control, but this will be an extended operation due to the size of the building.”
The firefighters responded quickly to the fire and were able to contain it so that it did not spread to other buildings.
“I came out of the Subway at 2nd Ave and Houston and I could see the fire from there,” said Samantha Schatz, who lives a block down from the burning building.
“There was black smoke everywhere, Schatz said. I saw a girl crying, holding a dog and repeating over and over, ‘What if I wasn’t home?’ That really got me, because I would do if anything happened to my dog.”
David Weiner, who had been walking with Schatz saw a woman holding only a “half- naked baby and a tiny fluffy dog. It was a scene I’ll always remember,” he said.
“I’m just glad that everyone’s alright,” said Trigger, who’d lived in his apartment since January. “A fire started right above my bedroom roof. I don’t know if I lost everything or nothing. But, it doesn’t matter because everyone got out OK.”