Major Fire in Queens Injures Over 20, Including Firefighters

Fire Incident in Flushing, Queens

On Saturday, a significant fire erupted in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, injuring more than 20 individuals, including firefighters and emergency medical staff. The incident occurred shortly before 10:00 AM local time on 41st Road, close to College Point Boulevard. Officials reported that the fire originated on the first floor of a two-story wooden house, part of a row of five buildings. By the time firefighters arrived, two of the structures were fully ablaze, and the flames had spread to a third building, according to Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods.

Woods explained, "These buildings were constructed in 1930, making them entirely wooden. The walls, floors, and roofs are all made of wood, which allows fire to spread rapidly, making it challenging for us to control and extinguish the flames effectively."

Officials confirmed that at least one resident was trapped on the second floor of the building where the fire started but was successfully rescued. The situation escalated to a five-alarm fire, requiring the efforts of over 250 firefighters and emergency personnel. Although the fire was eventually brought under control, crews remained on-site for an extended period to monitor for any remaining hotspots.

In total, 21 individuals were reported injured, including 17 firefighters, two emergency medical technicians, and two residents, all of whom were transported to local hospitals. Woods noted that the firefighters suffered from various injuries, including heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation, and minor sprains. One resident was reported in serious condition, while another sustained non-serious injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the affected buildings suffered significant damage, displacing several families. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to those impacted. Residents nearby were advised to keep their windows shut due to smoke, and motorists were warned of potential road closures and traffic delays in the vicinity.