FDNY Battalion Chief From Yonkers Dies in Bronx Gas Explosion

A gas explosion at a suspected marijuana grow house in the Bronx resulted in the death of Michael J. Fahy, a New York City Fire Battalion Chief and Yonkers resident, after he was struck by debris early Tuesday morning.

According to Lohud, the Kingsbridge home and surrounding buildings had been evacuated before 7:30 am following a call regarding a gas leak at 6:22 am. New York Police Department Commissioner James O’Neill stated they’d initiated an investigation a few weeks prior into the address after receiving reports of a possible marijuana grow site.

Fahy was overseeing operations from the street when he was hit by falling debris from the gas explosion, which left nine other firefighters, six NYPD officers, three Con Edison workers, and two civilians with non-life threatening injuries. Fahy was rushed to The Allen Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian in Manhattan, where he was pronounced dead.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio addressed Fahy’s death during a morning news conference. In a subsequent tweet, de Blasio confirmed, “A tragedy has befallen a family, our FDNY, and our entire city.”

Fahy, 44, graduated from North Rockland High School, then Binghamton University in 1994, before attending New York Law School. He began serving as a firefighter in 1999, being promoted to Lieutenant in 2004, Captain in 2007, and Battalion Chief in 2012. Fahy was the son of North Rockland resident and former FDNY Chief Thomas Fahy and also leaves behind three siblings, his wife Fiona, and three children.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro commented on Fahy’s bravery during the news conference, saying, “It’s a terrible loss for the Fahy family, it’s a loss for the fire department family. We feel it deeply…We lost a hero today, and our members are all saddened.”

For those who would like to leave their condolences for Fahy’s colleagues and loved ones, you can visit the FDNY Facebook page.