Tapes Reveal the Instant Bronx Blaze Turned Deadly

    Jan. 25, 2005
    in what seemed like an instant on Sunday morning, everything changed, Fire Department officials said yesterday. The firefighters sent desperate calls for help, which were captured on an experimental radio taping system.
    AP Photo/Newsday, Al Raia
    Area firefighters watch, Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, as colleagues hang bunting on their Engine 26 Ladder 27 firehouse in memory of firefighter John Bellew of Ladder 27, who was killed with another firefighter while battling a Bronx blaze Sunday that injured serveral other firefighters. With the death of a third firefighter in Brooklyn, Sunday was the deadliest day the New York City Fire Dept. has seen since the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center
    Area firefighters watch, Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, as colleagues hang bunting on their Engine 26 Ladder 27 firehouse in memory of firefighter John Bellew of Ladder 27, who was killed with another firefighter while battling a Bronx blaze Sunday that injured serveral other firefighters. With the death of a third firefighter in Brooklyn, Sunday was the deadliest day the New York City Fire Dept. has seen since the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center

    In bursts of short radio transmissions, the firefighters calmly described the Bronx apartment they had called "Four Ida," or 4-I. Some smoke, a little heat, not much flame. The mouth of the fire, they knew, was one floor directly below them. Their mission was to find people who had not left Four Ida, while others put water on the fire.

    Voice Your Opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!