Firefighter dies battling blaze in New York building which was being used as a movie set

A FIREFIGHTER has died in New York while battling a blaze that broke out where film crews were shooting a new film starring Bruce Willis and Alec Baldwin.

Michael Davidson died in the fire. Picture: Twitter/FDNY

A FIREFIGHTER has died in New York while battling a blaze that broke out where film crews were shooting a new Bruce Willis movie.

Michael Davidson, a 37-year-old father of four, was briefly reported missing after a mayday call was made from the fiery building, the New York Post reports.

Mr Davidson was soon found and rushed to the nearby Harlem Hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Two other firefighters were also listed in serious conditions with burns however their wounds were not considered life-threatening.

It is with deep regret that FDNY announces the death of Firefighter Michael R. Davidson. Read more: https://t.co/TCJoYSHksU pic.twitter.com/zJWvSIaPjH

— FDNY (@FDNY) March 23, 2018

Flames broke in the basement of the building in Harlem, Upper Manhattan, at about 11pm local time (2pm AEDT).

No one was in the basement at the time but film work was being done just outside on the set of Motherless Brooklyn, a movie to be released next year.

“They went down the stairs to fight the fire with Davidson as nozzelman,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

“The fire was too heavy. They were forced to retreat and as they backed out, he (Mr Davidson) got separated from the rest of the unit.

Looks like the fire in Harlem is finally out. Btw, this was the same building they were filming Motherless Brooklyn at. pic.twitter.com/BZWh8C2vC7

— 𝔹 𝕣 𝕚 𝕒 𝕟 (@ohsixthirty) March 23, 2018

The FDNY is currently responding to a four-alarm fire at a building on St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem. City Councilman @MarkLevineNYC says one firefighter has been taken to the hospital with serious injuries. (Video courtesy @ohsixthirty) pic.twitter.com/Z2DxZv2pti

— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) March 23, 2018

“He was found unconscious on the floor and despite the best efforts of the FDNY and EMTs, they were unable to revive him.”

Mr Davidson, a 15-year department veteran, leaves behind his wife Eileen and four daughters.

He also has a brother Eric who is a city fireman, as well as their dad Robert, who is a retired FDNY.

Mayor de Blasio’s spokesman Eric Phillips said he was at the hospital when Davidson’s mother arrived.

You haven’t heard a scream until you’ve heard the scream of a mother who’s seen her son give his life to protect us. https://t.co/2WBFRbRdeq

— Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) March 23, 2018

He tweeted: “You haven’t heard a scream until you’ve heard the scream of a mother who’s seen her son give his life to protect us.”

Davidson had been cited for bravery four times in his career and is the 1150th New York firefighter to die in the line of duty in the history of the department, according to the FDNY.

Three civilians suffered non-life-threatening injuries, fire officials said.

Edward Norton also stars in the flick and is listed as director and writer.

Willis, Willem Dafoe and Alec Baldwin are also in the cast.

Originally published as Firefighter dies battling blaze in New York building which was being used as a movie set