A five-alarm fire broke out in the early morning on January 6 in a rent-stabilized building on Madison Street between Onderdonk Ave and Seneca Ave. The fire impacted four buildings total and left 26 or more families displaced, some who were injured or lost beloved pets. Thankfully there were no fatalities and it was reported that there were 271 emergency responders at the scene.

During the pandemic, we saw first hand how the Ridgewood community came together to care for one another. The response from neighbors  for the families impacted by the fire is another clear example of how Ridgewood shows up. Here is an ongoing list GoFundMe campaigns some of the displaced families have started to support themselves as they navigate this difficult time. Please spread the word and donate what you can:

If you have been impacted by this fire and need relocation assistance through HPD, reach out to the Ridgewood Tenants Union for information on the process--we can help you advocate for the services you are entitled to due to a building vacate. The city often makes qualifying for emergency relocation a challenge. You can reach the Ridgewood Tenants Union at (732) 835-2344‬.

Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez has a Fire Response Guide that every tenant should review if they  have experienced a fire: https://council.nyc.gov/jennifer-gutierrez/fire-emergency-response/