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A devastating blaze swept through several homes in Queens on Sunday afternoon, leaving fourteen people injured, including twelve firefighters. High winds exacerbated the situation, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
The alarm was raised just before 3 p.m. when emergency crews were dispatched to tackle the fire engulfing two private residences on 93rd Street, nestled between Astoria Boulevard and 30th Avenue in East Elmhurst, according to FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore during a press briefing.
The intensity of the fire escalated so quickly that it was soon classified as a four-alarm blaze, necessitating the presence of about 230 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene, Bonsignore reported.
The fire began at the rear of one of the buildings and, due to the strong winds, moved swiftly towards the front, explained Chief of Department John Esposito.
As firefighters arrived to battle the fierce flames, some found themselves trapped “above the fire,” highlighting the dangerous and rapidly evolving conditions they faced.
In all, 12 firefighters, including three with potentially serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, were taken to the hospital. Nine others suffered minor injuries, the FDNY officials said.
Two residents of the homes also suffered injuries in the fire and were transported to the hospital, authorities added.
One FDNY member was forced to deploy their personal safety system, which contained an emergency escape rope, and was among those who suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries, Esposito said.
Other firefighters quickly evacuated through the second floor by portable ladders to save themselves as the fire rapidly spread.
“This fire turned very, very quickly, and it became a very serious situation for us, causing our members to have to escape to save their own lives with very little time to think about it,” Bonsignore told reporters.
The large blaze has since been put under control.
There is “significant” damage to two buildings, and minor damage to a third building. A garage in the rear of the building was also destroyed, authorities said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.