Precious family photos caught in the bushes wave in the wind with each passing gust of chilly Sunday morning air. It’s some of what’s left of the life of 51 year old Anna Latek, who died in a Saturday night blaze in her 5th floor condo at the Austin Towers in Rego Park.
Fire officials say Latek died from smoke inhalation at Elmhurst hospital. Three others were taken to New York Presbyterian and are in stable condition. Steve Meditz hopes he will find his sister there. His family wasn’t able to get in contact her Sunday morning. She lives on the 5th floor.
“Everything is kind of black no lights working. I had to use a flashlight to go back there. All the apartments look to be vacated,” said Meditz.
Neighbors described a chaotic scene overnight. In below freezing temperatures, fire fighters and EMTs worked to evacuate residents.
“We did see someone get pulled out on a stretcher, but it was cold,” said Theresa Scrivani, one of the neighbors. “I went inside, and the fire is already put out. I have to say the response from the fire department was amazing.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Considering nearly 30 percent of city fires happen during the cold winter months, the FDNY Foundation issues winter fire safety tips each year.
Winter Fire Safety Tips
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating.
- Don’t leave candles unattended.
- Do not use the stove or oven as a source for heat.
- Keep electric heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable materials (Electric heaters are a leading cause for winter fires, according to the FDNY).
- Don’t use them with extension cords.
- Turn them off when you leave or go to bed.
Fire officials say, these precautions can prevent the next tragedy.
More fire safety tips can be found on FDNYsmart.org.