Flames rip through Bronx firehouse trapping firefighters inside before dramatic ladder rescue

Bronx firehouse erupts in flames forcing dramatic firefighter rescue

THE BRONX, N.Y. — What started as a routine early morning inside a Bronx firehouse quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency as flames tore through the building, trapping firefighters on an upper floor.

The chaos unfolded early Friday morning at Engine 79, where a fast-moving fire broke out on the first floor and rapidly spread to the apparatus bay and up a stairwell — cutting off escape routes for those inside.

With smoke and fire blocking the main exit, several firefighters found themselves stranded on the second floor with no safe way down.

Instead of panicking, they followed the same life-saving guidanc...