89-year-old man hospitalized after Bay Ridge apartment fire

A Bay Ridge resident is in critical condition after he was rescued from an apartment fire on Saturday.

The blaze broke out just before 4 p.m. in a second-floor apartment at the corner of 91st Street and Third Avenue, according to the FDNY, trapping 89-year-old Richard Martin inside.

firefighter on top of building — The fire is believed to have started in Martin’s second-floor unit. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

firefighter with items outside apartment building — Some 60 firefighters responded to the blaze. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Firefighters crawled through thick smoke and flames to find and rescue an unconscious Martin, who was reportedly treated on the scene before being rushed to Staten Island University Hospital. The fire was extinguished at about 4:30 p.m., per the FDNY, and no other injuries were reported.

Martin remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Sept. 28, according to News12. Neighbors believe his cat was killed in the blaze.

neighbors outside bay ridge fire building — Neighbors gathered to watch firefighting efforts .Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Locals told ABC7 that Martin was a veteran well-known in the area. One said Martin uses a walker, and struggles to get up and down the stairs on his own.

In a local Facebook group, locals said Martin was dedicated to his pet cat, and dozens prayed for his recovery.

The FDNY fire marshal will investigate the cause of the fire.