Deadly Overnight 5-Alarm Westchester Co-op Fire Leaves 100s Homeless

YONKERS, NY — A fatal 5-alarm fire in Yonkers has left at least one male resident dead and five residents and first responders injured, according to Yonkers police.

The Yonkers Fire Department and the Yonkers Police Department responded to the scene shortly before 1 a.m. and are currently involved in active fire operations and traffic control in the area of 671 Bronx River Road, according to police.

More than 97 families had to leave their homes at the Mona Lisa Cooperative Residence, according to the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City's Jim Killoran, whose group is working to assist victims. Killoran said donations are being accepted. In an early morning social media post, he said they are especially in need of socks and sweatshirts and other clothing items.

Dozens of residents had to be rescued from the massive apartment fire, according to New York City's ABC-affiliate WABC's Janice Yu. Firefighters helped people flee the flames using fire escapes.

One displaced resident said he witnessed firefighters bring a baby down on the fire escape, according to the report. Officials told ABC7 that another man was rescued "hanging out a fourth floor window."

Flames began shooting out of the top of the structure at around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to the station. The fire reportedly began on the ground floor, but has since reached the roof of the seven-story building.

Officials report that a concerning number of civilians and firefighters have been hospitalized as a result of the deadly blaze, according to a report from CBS New York.

The fire chief told reporters that the building is on a steep incline, which combined with frigid temperatures, is making things more difficult for crews.

Yonkers police say that residents were evacuated to the Community Center north of the fire location, with Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross assisting. The Red Cross set up across the street from the building to assist those displaced by the fire, according to PIX11 New York.

Bronx River Road, between Midland Ave. and Mile Square Rd., along with other area streets, are currently closed, according to police. Commuters are advised to avoid the immediate area.