Overview
- Firefighters responded around 7 p.m. to 955 Westchester Avenue, where burning trash and several parked vehicles were reported.
- A powerful blast erupted shortly after crews arrived, creating a large fireball captured in bystander videos.
- Seven firefighters were injured, including five with burns to the hands and face, and three were admitted to Jacobi Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening burns.
- Doctors said the hospitalized firefighters were awake and alert and are expected to recover, according to Jacobi surgeon Dr. Sheldon Teperman.
- The blaze was brought under control at about 8:19 p.m., with road closures and a heavy emergency presence continuing in the Fox Street–Westchester Avenue area.