In a tragic turn of events, three young children were left alone in a Brooklyn apartment and were seriously injured in a fire that broke out on Sunday morning. The fire occurred on the 11th floor of an apartment building on Livonia Avenue near Sackman Street in Brownsville. The children, aged four, five, and eight, were hospitalized in stable-but-critical condition, according to officials from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

The circumstances surrounding why the children were left home alone are currently under investigation. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh expressed concern over the lack of smoke alarms in the apartment. Authorities were able to locate and arrest the father of the children, identified as 37-year-old Anthony Halliburton. He has been charged with three counts each of abandonment of a child and endangering the welfare of a child, according to law enforcement sources.

Meanwhile, just before noon, a massive five-alarm fire broke out in Williamsburg, engulfing a cluster of nine stores on Lee Avenue. The fire sent plumes of smoke into the sky and resulted in 10 firefighters being hospitalized. However, authorities have assured that each firefighter is expected to make a full recovery.

Fire Commissioner Kavanagh acknowledged the challenging nature of both fires and expressed gratitude for the efforts of all involved. She stated, "These are both incredibly difficult jobs. It is a long, hot day, and our thoughts and prayers are both with the parents of these children - as well as thanks to our members for this incredibly difficult work today."

During the Brownsville fire, firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, where they encountered locked doors and heavy fire conditions. They were able to force open the apartment door and crawl inside. After encountering heavy smoke and flames, they located the unconscious children in the living room and behind the door. The firefighters wasted no time in rescuing the children and providing them with advanced life-saving care.

The cause of the fire in Brownsville is still under investigation, as is the cause of the fire in Williamsburg. Chief of Department for the FDNY, John J. Hodgens, explained that firefighters faced additional challenges in the Williamsburg fire due to high temperatures and locked roll-down gates on the businesses. However, they were able to gain entry and combat the fire, which had already spread between the ceiling and the roof.

By the time the press conference was held at around 4:30 p.m., the fire in Williamsburg was under control. The day's events served as a reminder of the dangers faced by firefighters and the crucial role they play in protecting communities. The investigation into both fires will continue, and authorities will focus on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing similar incidents in the future.