Red Cross DAT Captain Jacqueline Ayer Pride gets information from Fire Captain Carolyn Fiorianti on March 25th. (Photo: Fred Leahy)

Greater New York Chapter Disaster Action Team (DAT) Captain Jacqueline Ayer Pride and Queens DAT Member Yuru Chou responded to the scene of a 1-alarm blaze at a six-story apartment building at 7420 Ridge Boulevard in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn the evening of March 25th.

The building's large size brought an unusually large response from the fire department.  Sirens and fire engine horns coming from every direction brought neighbors out to see what was happening. Because the pre-war building was extremely well built, the fire was contained in one fifth-floor apartment, though water damage affected apartments one to three floors below. Sadly, an older resident succumbed to cardiac arrest after being transported to a hospital.

Building residents expressed thanks for cleanup kits and personal hygiene supplies handed out by Red Cross responders. Most of all, they thanked the team for being there and offing them support.