As we approach the 50th anniversary of the New York Telephone Fire, it is a good time to reflect back on one of the most significant incidents in the history of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). The New York Telephone Fire marked a turning point in the awareness of toxic smoke exposure and its long-term effects on firefighters.
On February 27, 1975, a fire erupted in the sub-basement of the New York Telephone Company building at 204 Second Avenue in Manhattan’s East Village. The large, windowless structure housed telephone switching equipment, batteries, and thousands of miles of insulated wiring.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke pushing from the building. The fire, burning in an oxygen-starved environment, produced thick, acrid smoke laced with toxic gases from the burning PVC insulation and plastic-coated wires. The intense heat and lack of ventilation made firefighting efforts extremely difficult.
As members advanced, they were met with an unusually caustic and blinding smoke that made breathing nearly impossible, even with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Many operated without SCBA due to the equipment’s limited air supply at the time. The fire burned for nearly 24 hours, requiring a response of over 700 firefighters.
In the following days, firefighters who operated at the scene experienced severe respiratory distress, nausea, and burning sensations in their lungs and eyes. The full danger of the fire became evident when a Bronx fire officer who had fought the fire collapsed and later died. His autopsy revealed that corrosive acids in the smoke had destroyed the sacs in his lungs. This was only a few days after he responded to the New York Telephone Fire.
A Wake-Up Call for Firefighter Health and Safety
The New York Telephone Fire was a watershed moment in the fire service’s understanding of toxic smoke exposure and occupational cancer risks. Many firefighters who operated at the fire later developed serious health issues, including respiratory diseases and cancer.
Among them was Dan Noonan, a firefighter from Ladder 3, who was assigned the irons that night. I met Dan Noonan only a few years ago, but I had known about the New York Telephone Fire for decades. Dan was more than a firefighter—he was one of the earliest and most vocal advocates. He often said that the New York Telephone Fire was a prelude to what would become far too common in the years that followed —and he was right. Firefighters must know the dangers of what is burning in today’s fires.
He was among the first to push for early detection and medical monitoring, ensuring firefighters understood the dangers they faced.
Though Dan retired from the FDNY in 1984, his work was far from over. His passion for firefighter health and safety only grew stronger. He dedicated himself to educating others and sharing his experiences through podcasts, interviews, and publications with whoever would listen. His story is also featured in the second edition of Mouth of the Dragon (not yet published) and 30 Fires You Must Know, ensuring that the lessons of that fire will not be forgotten.
Sadly, on July 21, 2024, Dan Noonan passed away from occupational cancer. But his legacy endures. His relentless advocacy will continue to educate and protect generations of firefighters.
Dan’s efforts—both on the fireground and in the years that followed—helped shape the fight for firefighter safety, medical monitoring, and occupational cancer awareness. His story must continue to be told, ensuring that no firefighter faces these dangers unaware or unprotected.
A Lasting Tribute
In May 2022, the FDNY Fire Academy held a special ceremony honoring Dan and commemorating the New York Telephone Fire. Today, every recruit who trains at the academy passes by the New York Telephone Fire Wall of Remembrance—a lasting tribute to Dan Noonan and the invaluable lessons this fire has imparted.
Thank you, Dan, for your tireless advocacy, your friendship, and for always living life the FDNY way.
On this 50th anniversary, we pledge never to forget—you, the New York Telephone Fire, and the firefighters who responded that night.
Your story will continue to be told, inspiring and protecting the firefighters of today and tomorrow.
Frank Leeb is the managing director of the First Responder Center for Excellence. He served the FDNY since 1992, and retired a deputy assistant chief, having served as the Chief of Safety for the FDNY’s 17,000 employees. His previous staff positions include the Chief of Training and the Chief of the Fire Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service administration from SUNY Empire State and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS). He has served as an advisory panel member for UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute’s (FSRI) “Study of Coordinated Attack in Acquired Structures” and is a principal on the NFPA Technical Committees 420, 1585, and 1710. He is also the author of author of the best-selling book, Cornerstones of Leadership – On and Off the Fireground, and co-author of 30 Fires You Must Know.
