An early morning fire at a Buddhist temple in the Bronx, New York City, resulted in the deaths of two people on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the temple building on Anthony Avenue in the Tremont section of the Bronx, where monks and community members gathered regularly for religious observance. The fire occurred at USA Buddhayaram Temple, the first Thai Budhhist temple in the Bronx, having been founded in 1965.

The fire broke out just after 6 a.m., prompting a response from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). However, firefighting efforts were hindered by a car illegally parked in front of the nearest fire hydrant, delaying the supply of water to extinguish the flames.

“We did unfortunately have a car parked on the closest fire hydrant,” FDNY Chief John Esposito stated. “We’ve seen that now a couple of times in the last week or so throughout the city. We all know that we should not be parking on fire hydrants and when you park on fire hydrants, it slows us down.” (Yahoo News)

The owner of the vehicle, who spoke to local media, acknowledged the infraction but cited difficulties in finding legal parking. “We’re not supposed to do it, but where else am I going to park? You can’t double park in these streets—they’re too small,” she said. The vehicle had reportedly been booted the previous Tuesday, leaving it immobile. (ABC 7 NY)

This is the second instance in recent days in which a blocked fire hydrant has impeded emergency efforts in a fatal blaze. A similar issue arose during a deadly fire in Brooklyn earlier in the week. According to the NYPD, more than 638,000 summonses were issued last year for vehicles obstructing fire hydrants, with nearly 20,000 violations occurring in the 46th precinct alone—a seven per cent increase from the previous year.

FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker stressed the severity of such violations. “It is bigger than a parking violation—this is life and death,” he said. “Your actions matter. Think before you make the decision to park on a fire hydrant.” (ABC 7 NY)

The bodies of the two people who died in the fire were recovered from the second floor of the temple’s rectory, adjacent to the main worship hall where monks resided. According to temple treasurer Mayuree Sriphirom, the victims were a senior monk and a visiting community member.

The deceased monk was described as an elderly man who had been experiencing health issues. The temple served as a religious and cultural hub for the local Thai Buddhist community.

Fire marshals determined that the fire was ignited by a space heater placed too close to combustible materials in the living quarters. The FDNY has long warned about the dangers of improper space heater use, particularly during colder months when such devices are frequently relied on for warmth.

The tragedy has underscored concerns about fire safety, particularly in buildings that serve both residential and religious functions. Buddhist temples across the United States, particularly those serving immigrant communities, often operate within converted residential structures that may not always be equipped with updated fire safety measures.

Despite the loss, members of the temple and the broader Thai Buddhist community have vowed to support reconstruction efforts. The temple, which has played a central role in local Buddhist practice and cultural gatherings, is expected to receive assistance from community members and Buddhist organizations.

“It’s a disaster right now—the temple, but I was so shocked but I will try the best, all the Thai community will come to help, all around the world—whatever they can help,” said Sriphirom. (ABC 7 NY)

See more

Fire in Buddhist temple kills two in the Bronx (Yahoo News)
FDNY says car parked in front of hydrant hindered response to deadly fire in Bronx (ABC 7 NY)
FDNY: 2 dead following massive fire at Buddhist Temple on Anthony Avenue (News 12 NY)

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