On Sunday morning, a four-alarm fire broke out in the Queens area of New York City, causing injuries to five firefighters, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
The fire occurred around 6:15 a.m. at 114-46 Sutphin Blvd. Assistant Fire Chief Malcolm Moore stated that when firefighters arrived at the scene, the first floor of the two-story mixed-use building was already engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to the second floor and nearby structures, extending through the vertical shafts between the buildings.
Within 5 minutes of the fire starting, it was escalated to a second alarm, and later upgraded to a four-alarm alert, prompting the response of 49 fire units and approximately 170 firefighters to battle the blaze.
FDNY reported that the five injured firefighters were treated on-site by emergency personnel and then transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The fire was completely under control by 8:02 a.m., while the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire department.
This incident serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of firefighters who risk their lives to protect their communities in the face of dangerous and unpredictable situations. The swift response and coordinated efforts of the FDNY exemplify their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in New York City.
Fires, like the one that occurred in Queens, highlight the importance of fire safety measures and the need for ongoing public awareness and education to prevent such devastating events. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to have proper fire prevention measures in place and to cooperate with emergency responders during crises to minimize the impact of fires and safeguard lives and properties.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the FDNY will work diligently to determine the circumstances that led to this incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The resilience and professionalism demonstrated by the FDNY in responding to emergencies serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to serving the community and preserving lives.