The fire erupted in the basement of an apartment house around 11PM. The 37-year old father of four, Michael R. Davidson, was a 15-year veteran of the department. He was critically injured while fighting the fire.
Norton, along with the film's producers released a statement saying, "To our great sorrow, we now know that an NYC firefighter lost his life battling the blaze that grew, and our hearts ache in solidarity with his family. New York City firefighters truly are the bravest in the world. We watched firsthand with astonishment as they charged into the smoke to make sure all were safely out and then fought to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading, putting their lives on the line as they do every day."
Mayor Bill DeBlasio also made a statement, saying, "Our city lost a hero tonight. The prayers of 8.5 million New Yorkers are with his wife, his four children and his loved ones."
Along with his four children, Davidson is also survived by his wife, Eileen.
