Fatal New York apartment fire forces dozens into the cold

YONKERS, N.Y. – Authorities say a fire at a New York apartment building has left one person dead and forced dozens of people into the cold.

Photos show rescuers helping bundled-up residents walk across snowbanks on a slippery hill as flames shoot out of the building in Yonkers, north of New York City.

Fire officials tell the Journal News that a body was found Wednesday on the fifth floor, where the fire may have started.

Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Fitzpatrick says a hydrant froze and firefighters struggled against the wind. Water turned to ice when it hit the ground.

Resident Andre Geraghty tells WCBS that he helped his wife and their 16-month-old child down a fire escape after smoke prevented their exit through a door.

Geraghty says he was terrified.