NEW YORK – New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin issued the following statement this morning in response to the fire in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, which tragically took the lives of six New Yorkers and injured seven others, including three firefighters:

“Our city is in mourning. Earlier today, a devastating fire in Sunset Park claimed six New Yorkers. My heart is with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I am praying for the full recovery of those who were injured, including 3 heroic firefighters. This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and I am deeply grateful to the first responders who rushed to the scene to put their own lives at risk to save others.

“Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. The presence of lithium-ion batteries at the scene is a serious concern, and more must be done to encourage and mandate safe storage practices. Enough is enough.”