FDNY Firefighters Injured in Queens as Howard Beach Apartment Blaze Draws Massive Response and Displaces Residents

Two FDNY firefighters sustained minor injuries after responding to a three-alarm fire that ravaged an apartment building in Howard Beach, Queens yesterday morning. According to

ABC7NY

, the fire broke out on the fifth floor of a six-story building located at 86-10 151st Avenue. The firefighters were injured while combatting the blaze that started before 11:30 a.m. and caused evacuations across ten apartments.

Smoke and flames spread rapidly through the building, affecting multiple floors. “As we started to open the walls up, it became apparent that the fire had extended,” FDNY Assistant Chief Joseph Ferrante said, detailing the unforgiving nature of the non-fireproof building construction. The response escalated quickly, with a second alarm at 11:41 a.m. followed by an a third alarm at 11:54 a.m., as stated in a report by

QNS

.

Ultimately, 33 units and approximately 138 FDNY firefighters and EMS personnel arrived on the scene. They were successful in bringing the fire under control by 1:28 p.m., with no reported civilian injuries. The injured firefighters were transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. As part of the immediate response, the American Red Cross set up a reception center across from the fire location for impacted residents. The humanitarian organization registered eleven households, including three children and six older adults, amongst the 25 people needing assistance and temporary housing. A handful of other residents self-located with friends or family.

The local community has begun rallying support for those affected by the fire. “The fire today at the Greenwood Arms was devastating, and I commend the quick and heroic actions of the FDNY in bringing this under control before even more damage was caused,” Council Member Joann Ariola remarked, her sentiments captured by

QNS

. Ariola pledged that her office would maintain close communication with the American Red Cross and the NYC Office of Emergency Management to facilitate the needed services for displaced residents.

Though the flames have subsided, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by FDNY fire marshals. Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings conducted a structural stability inspection, confirming extensive damage on the upper floors. The full extent of the devastation and the future of the building remains to be assessed as recovery efforts continue.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!