© Frank H. Jump
As I was driving home for lunch on Friday, I arrived at the end of the block just as the firetrucks had arrived on the corner of Glenwood Road and East 32nd Street. There was a distressed raccoon on the roof of the house trying to find a way off. I ran home and got my camera and ran back down to the corner. Deborah Brathwait, a resident of the building was visibly shaken, but fortunately managed to get out safely. Brathwait informed me that all other residents managed to evacuate unharmed. By now the raccoon was in the tree, which also was at risk of going in flames. A local organization, Silver Lining Outreach – that apparently helps local fire victims and the homeless, gave me their card. I’m not familiar with this org but will do some research.
Arnold Duncan, another local photographer was at the scene and we started to chat a bit. [Duncan forwarded me his link to his pics. I posted two down below with links.] According to Duncan – a longtime College Glen resident – the corner house that had burned had once belonged to the adjacent church – The Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church – which has been trying to get the former parsonage back.
Fire on Glenwood Road and East 32nd Street, Flatbush Junction
© Frank H. Jump
Some shots from another neighborhood photographer, Arnold Duncan.
© Arnold Duncan
Click here for a slideshow of Duncan’s pics of the fire.
Kudos to Ladder 147, The Pride of Flatbush! For their impeccable response time and professionalism- and for putting up with questions like “Did you see where the raccoon went?”
Thanks for all the great pics. We have lots of raccoons in Flatbush. Just one thing…Tower Ladder 157 is the first due ladder at this box. 147 is second due. They are the two best ladder units in the FDNY and we all owe our safety to them. They all work their butts off but 157 is ‘OUR’ truck.
Thanks for the update Richard. I didn’t even notice the second number until you brought it to my attention. Would not have excluded extending them my warmest thanks. Fire is one of my biggest fears. Can’t image what NYC would be like without the FDNY. Are you a fireman? Take care and enjoy the site.