While very few details were available, Black Westchester has received multiple reports of a 5-alarm fire early Sunday morning at 30 Cottage Avenue in Mount Vernon. At approximately 2:39 a.m., the Mount Vernon Fire Department received reports of smoke inside a residential building at 30 Cottage Avenue. Units arrived on scene at 2:44 a.m. and observed heavy smoke showing from the 7th floor at the front of the building.
“We’ve been here since 2:30 this morning,” Mount Vernon Fire Commissioner Kevin Holt said in a video statement posted from the scene. “We have all hands on deck, multiple agencies from around Westchester County are assisting us. This fire started as a kitchen fire, and it got into the cockloft of the building and spread throughout the whole building.”
Witnesses tell BW that every time it looks like the fire is under control, it starts to rekindle again. Multiple agencies were called to assist, including the FDNY. A second alarm was transmitted immediately as crews began fire attack operations. Mutual aid was requested from Pelham and Greenville to support suppression efforts. As conditions intensified, additional alarms were transmitted:
- Third Alarm — New Rochelle responded
- Fourth Alarm — Yonkers responded
- Fifth Alarm — Larchmont and Hartsdale responded
During this time, White Plains and Eastchester provided coverage for Mount Vernon firehouses to maintain citywide emergency readiness.
“This is an old-age style pre-war building, and there are no standpipes. So of course, that makes it a little more difficult,” Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said on the scene.
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The fire impacted the entire 7th floor, stretching from Cottage Avenue to Park Avenue, and resulted in over 100 residents being displaced. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Five Mount Vernon firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries. MVFD personnel will remain on-site throughout the day conducting suppression, overhaul, and safety operations. Two civilian injuries were reported. Firefighters rescued two women using ground ladders, and both were transported to Jacobi Medical Center for treatment.
The mayor and the Red Cross are on the scene to help the dozens of residents who have been displaced. The Doles Center is currently serving as the primary intake site for displaced residents.
“Donations being accepted at the Doles Center here,” Mount Vernon Councilmember Cathlin Gleason said in a Facebook post. “Winter clothes, coats, toiletries, new undergarments. Please also think about our firefighters and police who have been out all night and our city administration. Red Cross and Office of Emergency Management coordinating efforts. Pray for all the families displaced.”
“Families that have been impacted are being serviced over at the Doles Center here in Mount Vernon so that they can get some warmth, some beverage, fill out the paperwork that is necessary, so that we can begin getting them housing vouchers and food vouchers and assistance,” the mayor said.
He says it is a heartbreaking situation that many residents and their families now face displacement just days before Thanksgiving.
“It’s sad, you know, always at the holiday time, not just in Mount Vernon but elsewhere. Things like this happen, and it’s just very sad. As families are preparing for holidays, tragedies like this happen, and it’s a sad time,” said Mount Vernon Councilmember Derrick Thompson, who lives next door to where the fire broke out.
the American Red Cross, The Doles Center, Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ, Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church and The Church of the Ascension provided immediate support to displaced residents and first responders. Superintendent Dr. Demario A. Strickland, the Mount Vernon City School District, community organizations, and faith-based partners all provided continued assistance.
The fire remains active as of Sunday afternoon.
If you have pictures or videos of this fire or anything else going on in your neighborhood, you want to share, send them to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com
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