Malfunctioning elevators forced about 50 FDNY firefighters to hike up 20 stories carrying about 100 pounds of gear each in order to fight a top-story blaze.
The building in Brooklyn is part of public housing, and fire was reported early Thursday. FDNY crews discovered the blaze and tried to call the elevators to get to the top, but they didn't work.
They hiked up stairs and found an 89-year-old woman in the burning apartment. She was critically injured, but crews were able to revive her, and shuttle her down in a basket.
The FDNY says a second resident was treated for smoke inhalation.
Local
Crews had the blaze under control in about 45 minutes. They are investigating why the elevators didn't work
Copyright AP - Associated Press
