14 injured, including 12 firefighters, after fast-spreading fire tears through NYC homes
A devastating fire broke out in Queens on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The inferno, fueled by high winds, quickly spread to multiple homes on 93rd Street between Astoria Boulevard and 30th Avenue in East Elmhurst.
Emergency responders sprang into action, with approximately 230 firefighters and EMS workers rushing to the scene just before 3 p.m. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore described how the flames engulfed two private homes, escalating to a four-alarm fire due to the rapid spread caused by significant wind conditions.
Chief of Department John Esposito highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters as they arrived at the scene. Some firefighters found themselves trapped “above the fire” as they assessed the growing flames. In total, 12 firefighters were injured, with three sustaining potentially serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Nine others suffered minor injuries, while two residents of the homes also required hospital treatment.
One courageous FDNY member had to deploy their personal safety system, including an emergency escape rope, to escape the blaze. Other firefighters made quick decisions to evacuate through the second floor using portable ladders as the fire rapidly advanced.
Commissioner Bonsignore emphasized the swift and dangerous nature of the fire, which forced firefighters to act decisively to save their own lives. The heroic efforts of the responders eventually brought the large blaze under control, but not before causing significant damage to two buildings and minor damage to a third. A garage in the rear of the building was also destroyed in the fire.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire. The community is left to pick up the pieces after this devastating incident, as authorities work to determine the events that led to the destructive blaze.
