They Escaped the Flames—Now They Need Our Help to Rebuild

In the dark, early hours of Saturday, May 3rd, the Torres Family’s world was turned upside down.

At around 3:30 a.m., a devastating electrical fire tore through their Bay Ridge apartment building. The building’s smoke detectors failed. No alarm. No warning. Mr. and Mrs. Torres were fast asleep, unaware that just outside their bedroom door, flames were racing through the hallway.

By some miracle, Mr. Torres woke to the roar of the fire. When he opened the door, the searing heat and thick smoke made it clear—there was no way out. Thinking fast, he slammed the door shut, shoved a wet towel beneath it, and woke his wife. Trapped on the third floor with no access to the fire escape, the couple clung to life at the window, struggling to breathe as smoke poured into their home.

Moments later, FDNY heroes arrived and raised an aerial platform to their window. Mr. Torres helped his wife into the rescue bucket before climbing in himself. Both escaped with only mild smoke inhalation—but the fire took nearly everything else.

Their home is gone. Their possessions, memories, and worst of all, their beloved two cats—lost in the blaze.

The only reason their children are safe is that, by sheer luck, they were staying with their grandparents that night.

Now the Torres Family is faced with rebuilding their lives from ashes. They’re starting from nothing—no home, no clothes, no furniture. Just each other, and the strength that got them through that night.

We’re asking for your help to give them a chance to start again. Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward housing, clothing, essentials, and helping them begin to heal from this unimaginable loss.

Let’s come together to show the Torres Family that they’re not alone. They made it out alive. Let’s help them live again.

Please donate if you can—and share their story.

FDNY: Building fire erupts in Bay Ridge