Ridgewood Fire: Firefighter Dies in Blaze, Officials Say

RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS – A firefighter died and three civilians were hurt in a fire in Ridgewood Thursday, officials said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed the death of firefighter William Tolley, 42, at a press conference held in Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. The senior firefighter had been with the FDNY for 14 years.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said Tolley was working on the roof along with other members of Ladder 135 when he fell to his death. The circumstances of his death were under investigation.

Tolley was the 1,147th member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty, Nigro said.

The blaze at the five-story residential building at 1615 Putnam Ave. started at 2:20 p.m., the FDNY said. More than 100 firefighters battled to bring it under control. The fire was confined to a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor, Nigro said.

Nigro said the fire was not believed to be suspicious.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jimmy O'Neill and Public Advocate Tish James tweeted their condolences.