Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • New York Post

    Massive NYC fire engulfs seven homes; 11 firefighters among 14 injured, FDNY says: ‘Everything is gone’

    By Georgett Roberts, Matthew Sedacca,

    1 day ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3whzVh_0un4eErj00

    A massive fire ripped through Queens Saturday afternoon, injuring 14 people — including 11 firefighters — and damaging multiple buildings, leaving dozens of residents displaced, officials said.

    The blaze began just after 4 p.m., at a two-story residence at 88-21 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Queens Village, before quickly soaring to five alarms and spreading to seven buildings, according to FDNY officials.

    Over 200 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics responded to the fire, which was brought under control in about two hours, officials said.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0PErng_0un4eErj00
    Firefighters at the scene of a five alarm fire in Queens on Aug. 3, 2024. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0DNFbO_0un4eErj00
    The fire spread to seven buildings in Queens Village. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4PmXwr_0un4eErj00
    Flames ripping through houses on Francis Lewis Blvd. in Queens Village. Brigitte Stelzer

    “This was a very fierce fire, and it spread to seven buildings and into the rear and garage area,” FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer said.

    The 14 wounded included 11 firefighters and three civilians, all of whom sustained minor injuries, FDNY EMS Deputy Assistant Chief Grace Cacciola said.

    Cooler weather helps firefighters corral a third of massive California blaze

    The majority suffered heat-related injuries and were taken to local area hospitals to be treated.

    Dozens of people were estimated to have been displaced, said Frederic Klein, a spokesman with the Red Cross, which was on the scene aiding victims.

    The organization said it had registered seven households — consisting of 22 adults and 10 children — for emergency assistance, including temporary lodging and financial assistance.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Xpr8m_0un4eErj00
    The fire injured 14 people — including 11 firefighters. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=16zZuj_0un4eErj00
    An injured person being taken away on a stretcher. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0BshUo_0un4eErj00
    Smoke coming out of buildings on Francis Lewis Blvd. in Queens. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0tAP4o_0un4eErj00
    FDNY firefighters spraying water at the fire on the remains of a house. BRIGITTE STELZER
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3pe46a_0un4eErj00
    Firefighters near a car destroyed in the fire. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3iRNoe_0un4eErj00
    Fire damage in the backyards of several buildings. Brigitte Stelzer

    In an alley behind Francis Lewis Boulevard where residents parked their cars, at least three vehicles had been charred to a crisp.

    Girl, 7, and mom critical after second major NYC fire in two days

    Houses on 207th Street, also behind Francis Lewis Boulevard, sustained damage as well from the roaring blaze.

    Tasmim Abib, 17, who lives on Francis Lewis Boulevard, said the fire started on his neighbor’s deck, before spreading to his family’s deck and into their home.

    “It was so much fire that it got into our house,” he said, explaining how the blaze entered their living room before spreading and filling their home with thick black smoke.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3knmrS_0un4eErj00
    The damage done to the backyard of one of the homes impacted by the fire. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1kMewP_0un4eErj00
    Firefighters examining damage at one of the houses. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1uoZC5_0un4eErj00
    Over 200 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics responded to the Queens blaze. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2S9FbM_0un4eErj00
    The FDNY managed to bring the blaze under control in about two hours. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2PeyMz_0un4eErj00
    Dozens of people are estimated to have been displaced due to the fire. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR METRO DAILY NEWSLETTER

    Abib said he rushed out of his home with two of five cats and his parents, who refused to let him return to their home to rescue the beloved pets left behind.

    “I was crying, ‘Let me go inside and save my cats.’ They said, ‘No, don’t go back inside,'” he recalled.

    “There is nothing left there. Everything is gone in the fire.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0VOgbI_0un4eErj00
    Adiba Sikder, 35, reacting to the devastating fire. BRIGITTE STELZER
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=22vQeo_0un4eErj00
    A house on Francis Lewis Blvd. damaged by the fire. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ZHrBm_0un4eErj00
    Debris in the backyard of a house damaged by the fire. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1A3dWk_0un4eErj00
    The cause of the fire is under investigation. Brigitte Stelzer
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3XrTJI_0un4eErj00
    Exhausted firefighters resting while battling the blaze. Brigitte Stelzer

    Abib said his mother had heard three explosions before heading outside to see the spreading flames.

    Propane tanks had exploded in the back of the initial site of the fire, accelerating the blaze, FDNY officials said.

    The cause of the fire is still under investigation, FDNY officials said

    Additional reporting by Patrick Reilly

    For the latest metro stories, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/metro/

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local Queens, NY newsLocal Queens, NY
    Most Popular newsMost Popular

    Comments / 0