Mount Vernon Neighbors Mobilize to Support Families After Devastating Fire

More than 100 Mount Vernon residents are relying on temporary housing after a massive five-alarm fire tore through an apartment complex early Sunday, Nov. 23, leaving two connected buildings severely damaged and dozens of households displaced.

According to city officials, the fire broke out around 2:39 a.m. on the seventh floor of an H-shaped apartment complex at 30 Cottage Avenue before spreading into the adjoining building at 45 Park Avenue. Flames quickly consumed sections of the top floors, sending thick smoke through hallways as residents scrambled to escape.

David Anderson, 36, said his family woke up only because his mother’s service dog wouldn’t stop barking.

“That dog was the one who saved all of our lives,” Anderson said. “We heard yelling in the hallway—people shouting, ‘They’re trapped!’—and that’s when we knew we had to get out.”

When Anderson opened his apartment door, firefighters were already attempting to break down a neighbor’s door. The instant the door gave way, he said, smoke rushed into the hallway.

“I was the last one to leave. I looked out the bathroom window and saw flames pouring from the next unit. It was terrifying.”

Once outside, his family searched for neighbors who hadn’t yet emerged.

“Looking up and seeing the fire with people trapped inside… that was the longest 30 minutes of my life,” he said. “Thank God they were rescued.”

Hours to extinguish, no major injuries reported

Two women were pulled from the unit where the fire began and taken to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. Five firefighters suffered minor injuries, but no life-threatening harm was reported.

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said that while the most intense flames were brought under control within four hours, it took close to 12 hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

The American Red Cross of Greater New York reported that 121 residents—including 32 children—were displaced. Ninety-nine apartments were damaged, and the city has deemed 30 Cottage Avenue uninhabitable.

“We lived there for 23 years,” Anderson said. “To watch everything burn… it was heartbreaking.”

Community steps up with shelter and supplies

With utilities shut off at the building, most residents were directed to the Doles Center on Sunday for emergency shelter. By Monday morning, Holmes Elementary School opened additional space to house families.

Donations poured in almost immediately—clothing, toiletries, baby supplies, food, and other essentials.

City officials, school district staff, churches, neighborhood groups, and local businesses have united to coordinate assistance. Many arrived at the Doles Center before sunrise Sunday to help serve hot meals.

“Mount Vernon is an amazing community,” Mayor Patterson-Howard said during a press conference at Holmes Elementary. “Even through the soot and ash, we’re shining bright. The unity and resilience shown over the last 24 hours has been extraordinary.”

How to help

The Doles Center (250 S. 6th Ave.) is accepting donations of gently worn clothing, toiletries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and other essentials. Gift cards of any amount can also be dropped off or contributed through The Friends of Mount Vernon Arts Recreation and Youth Programs.

For updates or guidance on what items are most needed, residents can email cityhelp@mountvernonny.gov.