FDNY says car parked in front of hydrant hindered response to deadly fire in Bronx
TREMONT, Bronx (WABC) -- An early morning fire at a Buddhist Temple that left two people dead in the Bronx was sparked by a space heater, officials said.
The blaze broke out inside a building on Anthony Avenue in the Tremont section just after 6 a.m.
Firefighters say their efforts to put the flames out were hindered by a car blocking a hydrant.
"We did unfortunately have a car parked on the closest fire hydrant, we've seen that now a couple of times in the last week or so throughout the city, but yes there was another car blocking a fire hydrant," FDNY Chief John Esposito said. "We all know we should not be parking on fire hydrants. And seconds count when we are fighting fire, and that slows us down."
The owner of the car parked in front of the hydrant said it was booted on Tuesday. She said she parked in front of the hydrant because it is nearly impossible to find a spot.
"We're not supposed to do it but where else am I going to park? You can't double park in these streets, these streets are small," she said.
It's the second time in a matter of days where cars parked in front of a hydrant hindered efforts in a deadly fire. The other fire happened early Sunday in Brooklyn.
A quick look by Eyewitness News found other fire hydrants blocked by parked cars, just down the street from the scene of the fire.
It's a big problem citywide. Last year, the NYPD wrote more than 638,000 summonses for blocking a pump. There were nearly 20,000 just in the 46th precinct, and that was up 7% from the year before.
FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker called it a matter of "life and death."
"It is bigger than a parking violation - this is life and death," he said. "Your actions matter. Think before you make the decision to park on a fire hydrant."
The FDNY says in Wednesday's fire, two bodies were recovered from the second floor of the rectory -- next to the temple where the monks lived.
The treasurer said one monk and one visitor died.
"It's a disaster right now - the temple, but I was so shocked but I will try the best, all the Thai community will come to help, all around the world - whatever they can help," said temple treasurer Mayuree Sriphirom.
The monk, who was an older man, was dealing with health issues.
Fire marshals determined the space heater that caused the fire was in proximity to combustible materials on the second floor of the rectory and living quarters.
The temple treasurer says the temple is significant as the first Buddhist temple in the Bronx and the community is vowing to rebuild.
ALSO READ: 'Just caught off guard': Man shot, killed in alleged parking dispute
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
