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Asbestos found after Bronx fire, but officials say residents are safe
By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 21, 2025
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Charles Lane/Gothamist
By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 21, 2025
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Bronx officials urged residents to avoid the site of a massive fire that destroyed multiple businesses last week as air quality is monitored — though they said there’s no apparent public health threat.
The five-alarm fire devastated six businesses near the intersection of Jerome and Burnside avenues last Thursday near Morris Heights in the Bronx, according to the FDNY. Officials said the businesses need to be demolished, but the presence of asbestos in the building’s structure raises the potential of air contamination.
Asbestos is a building material known to cause serious health problems. Because asbestos’ fibers are toxic once airborne, its use in construction was limited in the late 20th century and demolition of buildings with asbestos requires special care.
At a community meeting on Tuesday, Kenneth Brown, district manager for Community Board 5, advised avoiding the area.
“ Because there's a potential that it could be toxic,” he said. “Don't go there if you don't need to.”
Officials with the city’s Department of Environmental Protection said staffers were monitoring the building’s demolition. The agency said the property owner hired a licensed asbestos contractor, who was taking air samples throughout the process to ensure public safety.
City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and state Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia expressed confidence with the city’s efforts.
“DEP has confirmed the presence of asbestos at the site, but has assured my office that there is no public health threat to residents,” Tapia said.
Nathalie Springer, 47, who lives in the apartment building across the street, said she’s worried about dust from the demolition after already dealing with the fire’s aftermath.
“All the smoke came into the building,” she said. “Basically, it was black. It was pitch black.”
Fire officials said a car was blocking a hydrant at the time of the blaze, delaying their initial response.
Sanchez said precautions were in place to prevent asbestos exposure during demolition.
“The owner's contractors were to provide mitigation: spray water continuously throughout demo work, and continue testing the air,” Sanchez said.
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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