The FDNY Releases PSA Reminding New Yorkers to Close the Door Following Deadly Bronx Fire

April 24, 2026

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Friday released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) reminding New Yorkers to always close the door behind them in the event of a fire.

"Leaving a door open while escaping a fire can cause it to grow and spread rapidly throughout a building," said FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. "This can create a dangerous situation for occupants and responding FDNY members. The message is simple: 'Close the Door.'"

On April 21, 2026, the FDNY responded to a fire at 660 East 187 Street in the Bronx. FDNY companies arrived in a little over three minutes and found heavy smoke and fire on all floors of the building. The ongoing investigation by FDNY Fire Marshals has revealed that multiple doors, including the door to the apartment Fire Marshals believe the fire started in, were left open. This allowed smoke and flames to spread throughout the hallways, staircase, and to every floor of the building. Occupants on multiple floors were trapped and evacuated onto fire escapes and the roof. Several occupants were rescued by responding FDNY Firefighters. Two people were killed and firefighters and civilians were injured.

Closing the door isolates fire and prevents smoke, heat, and flames from spreading to common areas of a multiple dwelling (like hallways and stairs). In a private home, closing a door to the fire area can prevent rapid spread of fire throughout the structure. Leaving the door open can be deadly: in 2017, 13 people were killed in a fire at 2363 Prospect Avenue in the Bronx after the door to the fire apartment was left open.

The PSA is available here.