Overview
- The blaze began just before 10 a.m. on Saturday on 41st Road near College Point Boulevard and moved quickly from a first-floor origin into at least two adjoining buildings.
- Fire officials escalated the response through successive alarms and by midday the incident was a five-alarm operation with crews working to contain the blaze.
- At least 12 people were taken to hospitals, including eight firefighters, two EMTs and two civilians, with several responders reported to have moderate-to-serious injuries.
- The FDNY said more than 250 fire and EMS personnel were on scene, and officials warned residents to keep windows closed and expect road closures and smoke impacts.
- The cause remains under investigation and officials plan a press briefing; authorities noted the neighborhood’s older wood-frame row houses helped the fire spread and several families were displaced.