NEW YORK,NY – New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh detailed the department’s response to recent city emergencies and emphasized crucial fire safety measures for residents in a recent interview. the Commissioner, a New York City native and graduate of Fieldston School and law school, described a lifelong passion for the FDNY, stemming from childhood days tracking engines with a scanner along Lexington and Park Avenues.
Kavanagh recounted a personal project undertaken during her early interest in the FDNY: a detailed map of Manhattan’s multiple-alarm fires, color-coded by severity – white pins for fifth alarms, red for fourth, and green for third. This early analytical work foreshadowed her data-driven approach to fire safety.
“Our primary message to residents, particularly those in fireproof apartment buildings, is to shelter in place unless instructed otherwise,” Kavanagh stated. “Closing doors is critical. it contains the fire and buys valuable time for our firefighters.” She emphasized the FDNY’s broad scope of duty, extending beyond structural fires to include outdoor and vehicle fires.
The Commissioner candidly discussed the emotional toll of the job, referencing the active shooter incident at 345 Park Avenue in July 2025, which impacted Mayor Eric Adams and FDNY Commissioner Laura Tisch. She described the anxiety felt for the EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters responding to the scene. Kavanagh also highlighted the department’s advanced communication system – a dedicated cellular network that alerts her to emergencies, even during personal time, citing an example of being notified during a Saturday night dinner party about the may 2025 collision of a ship carrying 200 passengers with the Brooklyn Bridge. The incident underscored the public’s often limited understanding of the FDNY’s constant readiness.
“Peopel laughed, thinking here’s more food for them-and next it’s the top story around the world,” Kavanagh recalled, illustrating the rapid escalation of emergencies and the FDNY’s central role in crisis response.
When asked about essential safety equipment, Kavanagh unequivocally stated: “All residents should have several working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and fire extinguishers.” The FDNY recommends testing smoke and CO detectors monthly and replacing them every 10 years. The department offers free smoke detector installation for eligible New York City residents through its Fire Safety Education Program.
Political Rhetoric and Personal Investment
The interview took a turn to commentary on political communication, observing a tendency for politicians to prioritize microphone access over genuine engagement.The Commissioner noted the reliance on prepared remarks, often read directly from notes, and a disconnect between public speaking and authentic understanding of issues.
Kavanagh also revealed a recent consultation with her Wall Street broker, prompted by concerns about economic uncertainty and rising costs of living. She described establishing a five-year investment plan designed to mitigate potential market risks and secure her financial future. She worked with Goldman Sachs broker, David Miller, to diversify her portfolio.
