The children — ages four, five and eight — were hospitalized in stable-but-critical condition after the blaze that broke out at about 11 a.m. on the 11th floor of an apartment building on Livonia Avenue near Sackman Street in Brownsville, FDNY officials told New York Post.

Authorities found the parents and arrested the father, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said at an afternoon press briefing.

“The circumstances are under investigation as to why they were home alone,” she was quoted as saying by the newspaper, noting that the apartment had no smoke alarms.

The father, later identified as 37-year-old Anthony Halliburton, was charged with three counts each of abandonment of a child and endangering the welfare of a child, law enforcement sources told New York Post.

New York City Fire Department tweeted: "A little after 11am, #FDNY responded to 383 Livonia Ave in Bkn. The fire was on 11th floor. Firefighters forced the door and found heavy fire conditions inside. They rescued 3 pediatric victims and brought them to EMS and paramedics who administered advanced lifesaving care."

In another fire incident, at least 10 firefighters were injured as a blaze broke out in a cluster of nine stores on Lee Avenue in Williamsburg.

New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler shared a video on his X page which showed the extent of damage caused due to the fire.

"Tragic day in the heart of South Williamsburg. 5 alarm fire has destroyed several beloved local businesses on Lee Ave. Spoke to 3 of the business owners & property owner and we will do everything we can to help each and every business and their workers get back on their feet," he posted on X.

Both fires were later brought under control.