Firefighters rescued a small child from a massive Bronx blaze Wednesday that a lithium-ion battery explosion may have caused, the FDNY said.

At least one person was also rushed to the hospital after being pulled out of the 12:30 p.m. blaze, which quickly rose to a fifth alarm.

The first 911 caller reported an explosion on the third floor of a five-story apartment building in Norwood on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place, the FDNY said.

When firefighters arrived, black smoke was billowing from the windows, with fire on the second and third floors.

Video taken at the scene shows heavy red flames shooting out of corner windows on the third floor as heavy smoke billowed throughout the building.

A firefighter on a tower ladder was photographed pulling a small tot in a red shirt from a fire escape on an upper floor.

FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

FDNY officials said three building residents suffered critical and life-threatening injuries. Two other tenants suffered minor injuries.

Three firefighters also sustained serious injuries, the FDNY said.

The fire was brought under control at about 3:30 p.m., but firefighters were still monitoring the situation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

 

FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)FDNY firefighters work the scene during a massive Bronx fire in a five-story apartment building on E. 209th St. near Parkside Place in the Bronx on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)