On August 18, 2007 a fire broke out at the former Deutsche Bank which was directly across the street from FDNY Engine 10 and Ladder 10 Firehouse. Otherwise known as the Ten House around 3:40 in the afternoon. The fire began on the 17th floor of the New York City building and soon thereafter became a seven alarm fire, was currently under demolition as it is at the site of the World Trade Center.

The building which originally stood at 41 stories was reduced to 26 stories after demolition crews removed the upper floors. At the time the fire broke out, the crews working on the demolition were in the process of removing asbestos. The fire was caused by a workers careless smoking which is in violation of the building's safety rules. The fire spread throughout the floor and affected ten floors of the remaining structure. Due to the work taking place in the building, protective polyethylene sheets which are made to prevent the spread of asbestos was draped throughout the floors, causing the floors to become a make shift maze for firefighters. The other danger these sheets present to firefighters is the buildup of smoke being trapped within these sheets. Further, since this building was under demolition, there was no functioning standpipe system for fire suppression crews to work off. This forced firefighters to raise hand lines from the street to combat the fire.

The building was not inspected since March of 2007 and was required to be inspected every 15 days. The seven alarm fire burned into the evening hours before being extinguished. There was an estimated 45 engine companies, 30 ladder companies, 3 rescue companies, 19 battalion chiefs, 4 deputy chiefs and numerous staff on scene.

115 firefighters were injured with 46 needing required medical attention. Two firefighters lost their lives this day on the 14th floor from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.

May we always remember,

Firefighter Joseph Graffagnino - FDNY Ladder 5

Firefighter Robert Beddia - FDNY Engine 24 

May they rest in peace.