A hero firefighter died Saturday night while battling a blaze sparked by a faulty air conditioner wire in a high-rise apartment building in Brooklyn.

Mayor de Blasio & FDNY Commissioner Nigro announce the line-of-duty death of Lt. Gordon Ambelas in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/nsUUKUBNBp — FDNY (@FDNY) July 6, 2014

Gordon “Matt” Ambelas, 40, who leaves behind a wife, Nanette, and two daughters, Gina, 5, and Gabby, 7, went into cardiac arrest after suffering smoke inhalation and third-degree burns on his head.

The 14-year FDNY veteran had been promoted to lieutenant just 10 months ago.

Ambelas collapsed while searching for survivors in a cluttered apartment on the 19th floor of the Independence Houses, a city project at 75 Wilson St. in Williamsburg, FDNY commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

“The fire originated at an air conditioning unit electrical cord, which was pinched between a bed frame and the wall of apartment 19B,” Nigro said, adding that the tragic fire is still under investigation.

“Just last night our department has suffered an incredible loss of one of our finest members and truly one of the best human beings that anyone would ever want to meet,” said friend and fellow firefighter Eric Bischoff.

Several of Ambelas’ colleagues stood silently outside of Ladder 119 Sunday afternoon as they mourned the fallen Bravest by hanging pieces of purple and black bunting from the side of the Williamsburg firehouse.

“Matt died last night a hero,” Bischoff said, his voice breaking with emotion. “He lived every day as a hero.”

“Make no mistake about it, Matt Ambelas was a battle tested firefighter and fire officer.”

Dramatic video shows the lieutenant, who was assigned to Battalion 28, being wheeled out of the building on a stretcher as his colleagues work on him in a desperate struggle to save his life. He died soon afterward at Woodhull Hospital.

Mayor de Blasio, who rushed to Woodhull Hospital Saturday night before conducting a press conference, said, “I ask all New Yorkers to keep Lt. Ambelas in their prayers.

“One of New York’s Bravest has paid the ultimate price. We lost a real hero tonight, and our hearts are heavy.’’

Two other firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated at Bellevue Hosptial. Two civilians were hurt but declined medical attention.

Just last month, Ambelas and his colleagues were given a plaque by a Williamsburg community group after rescuing a 7-year-old Hasidic boy who had been stuck in a roll-up gate.

“I would hate to think what would have happened without your help,’’ the boy’s father said at the time.

In accepting the award, Ambelas had said the rescue showed “FDNY members are always ready to help others.”

“It’s not just about helping to rescue a 7-year-old child recently,” Bischoff said.

The aftermath of a deadly fire. William Miller William Miller William Miller William Miller William Miller Ad Up Next Close Daily Blotter The Bronx A Claremont man with a long rap sheet... 5 View Slideshow Back Continue Share this: Facebook

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“Matt came to every tour to the firehouse to be true to who he is, that’s to help people, to save lives, in this community and in other communities all over the city where he worked.”

The last FDNY member to die in the line of duty was Lt. Richard Nappi, who perished in a three-alarm blaze in a Brooklyn warehouse in April, 2012.

Neighbors of Ambelas, a Staten Island resident, said the loving father could often be seen walking his daughters to school, or playing with them in the family’s yard.

“We were family like family, he was like a brother to me,” said Yvonne Rogers, who added that Ambelas helped her through some rough times by mowing her lawn and helping out around the house.

“In my own crisis he was there for me,” she said. “I feel so sorry for his children.”

A firetruck and ambulance arrive at Woodhull Hospital to receive the body of Lt. Gordon Ambelas. Paul Martinka Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at a press conference announcing the passing of FDNY Lt. Gordon Ambelas. Paul Martinka FDNY firefighters lined the street as an ambulance took Lt. Ambela's body to the medical examiner's office at Bellevue Hospital. Paul Martinka FDNY firefighters lined the street as an ambulance took Lt. Ambela's body to the medical examiner's office at Bellevue Hospital. Paul Martinka FDNY firefighters lined the street as an ambulance took Lt. Ambela's body to the medical examiner's office at Bellevue Hospital. Paul Martinka The scene at the Independence Towers where an FDNY firefighter lost his life fighting a blaze. Christopher Sadowski A firefighter takes a breather after fighting a two-alarm blaze at the Independence Towers. Christopher Sadowski Ad Up Next Close Daily Blotter The Bronx A Claremont man with a long rap sheet... 7 View Slideshow Back Continue Share this: Facebook

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Additional reporting by Reuven Fenton

