BRONX, N.Y. (November 6, 2025) — Seven New York City firefighters were injured Wednesday night after a debris fire on a Bronx sidewalk spread to several parked cars and caused a massive explosion that sent a fireball into the sky.
The incident unfolded around 7:06 p.m. in the Longwood section, near Westchester Avenue and Kelly Street, according to FDNY officials. What began as a routine response to a burning pile of trash quickly escalated when flames reached multiple nearby vehicles, igniting their fuel systems and triggering a violent blast.
Video from the scene shows a large explosion erupting from the vehicles, briefly lighting up the surrounding blocks as firefighters scrambled for safety.
Officials said seven FDNY members were injured in the explosion. Three firefighters were taken to Jacobi Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening burns to their hands and faces. Four others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene or local hospitals.
Despite the intensity of the explosion, no civilian injuries were reported.
Fire crews brought the flames under control around 8:19 p.m., but the area remained closed late into the evening as FDNY fire marshals and hazardous-materials teams worked to determine what caused the initial fire and the subsequent blast.
Officials say early indications suggest a trash or debris fire spread to the cars, but the full cause remains under investigation.
“Even what seems like a simple rubbish fire can turn dangerous fast,” an FDNY spokesperson said. “Our members acted quickly and prevented an even worse outcome.”
The fiery blast left several cars destroyed and damaged surrounding storefronts.
The FDNY confirmed that all injured members are expected to recover.
