A massive fire ripped through a residential area in Queens on Saturday morning, injuring 21 people, including a 78-year-old woman who was left in critical condition, according to fire officials.
The blaze broke out at a home on 41st Road near College Point Boulevard in Flushing. The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) received the first emergency call at approximately 9:52 a.m., and the fire quickly escalated into a five-alarm emergency by 10:40 a.m.
Officials said the fire began on the first floor of a two-story, nearly century-old wood-frame house located in a row of five connected buildings.
Fire Quickly Spread Through Wood-Frame Homes
When firefighters arrived, flames had already spread to two buildings in the row. The fire then extended to a third structure as crews battled the rapidly growing blaze.
FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods explained that the age and construction of the buildings made the fire especially difficult to control.
“These buildings in this row of five … they were built in 1930, so they’re all wood. Wood-frame buildings,” Woods said.
He added that the walls, floors and roofs were all made of wood, allowing flames to move quickly throughout the structures.
“Fire travels very, very rapidly. Very difficult for us to get ahead of these fires and extinguish,” Woods said.
More than 250 FDNY firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene as crews worked to contain the flames and rescue residents.
Residents Rescued as Firefighters Battle Flames
Officials said at least one person was trapped inside the burning building when firefighters arrived.
Fire crews were able to rescue the resident from the second floor of the home as heavy smoke and flames spread through the property.
Images from the scene showed thick smoke pouring from the building while firefighters worked from ladders and carried injured responders away from the area.
Several firefighters were seen receiving medical attention, including oxygen treatment and transportation on stretchers.
17 Firefighters Among Those Injured
Of the 21 people injured in the fire, 17 were FDNY firefighters who were battling the blaze.
Officials said none of the firefighters’ injuries were considered life-threatening. Their injuries included heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation and minor sprains.
The remaining victims included civilians, including the 78-year-old woman who was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
All injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Families Displaced After Fire Destroys Homes
The fire caused significant damage to the residential buildings, forcing multiple residents to leave their homes.
The American Red Cross responded to assist families affected by the blaze, providing support to those displaced by the destruction.
Officials said several households were impacted as the flames damaged multiple structures in the residential row.
Investigation Underway Into Cause of Fire
The FDNY Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating what caused the blaze.
Authorities have not yet released information about how the fire started or whether any factors contributed to its rapid spread.
The incident highlights the challenges firefighters face when responding to fires in older wood-frame buildings, where flames can move quickly and create dangerous conditions.
As investigators continue examining the scene, officials are focused on determining the cause of the fire and ensuring support is provided to the injured firefighters and displaced residents.
