The FDNY commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Walton Avenue Fire at Bronx ceremony

August 27, 2026

The FDNY marked the 20th anniversary of the Walton Avenue Fire with a commemoration ceremony and wreath-laying on August 27, 2026, at Engine 75/ Ladder 33/ Battalion 19 in the Bronx.

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, at 12:29 pm, firefighters responded to a call at 1575 Walton Avenue for a fire in a one-story commercial building. The fire quickly grew to three alarms. FDNY companies entered the building to search for victims when a collapse occurred. Lieutenant Carpluk, Engine Company 42, and Firefighter Reilly, Engine Company 75, became trapped along with three other members of the Fire Department. Probationary Firefighter Reilly, who had graduated from the Fire Academy in July 2006, succumbed to his injuries that day. Lieutenant Carpluk, a 20-year veteran of the Department, succumbed to his injuries the day after the fire.