One Dead In Pelham Apartment House Fire

PELHAM, NY — Several families were made homeless after a fire at 17 Fifth Ave. killed one resident of the six-story apartment building.

About 45 people and their pets had to be evacuated from the blaze, which started on the fourth floor. Several rescues were made by ladder, Pelham fire officials said on Instagram.

"Unfortunately, there was one civilian casualty in the fire apartment. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family," they said. "A thank you to a 17 Fifth Ave occupant for his efforts in assisting the other occupants out of the fire apartment and shutting the apartment door as the fire apartment became untenable. His actions prevented the fire from spreading further."

The Red Cross opened a reception center at the Pelham Town House.

Neighboring departments sent firefighters including Eastchester, Fairview, Greenville, Larchmont, Mount Vernon and New Rochelle; while Pelham Manor, Scarsdale and White Plains covered the village.

"DPW ensured the roadways and sidewalks were continuously salted to minimize ice build-up thank you, Jerry and Paul. We have a lot to be thankful for as the Pelham Community and Business (@pelhampizza @therailhouse10803 ) people on the scene quickly mobilized to get food, water, and assistance to the scene for residents and members operating at this incident," Pelham fire officials said.

The Red Cross has worked with six families — nine adults and six children — with money for emergency relocation and personal needs, as well as referrals and other support. "We have reached out and are ready to assist two more families," said Red Cross coordinator Carolyn Sherwin.