21 Injured In Massive Five-Alarm Fire In Queens: FDNY

QUEENS, NY — A five-alarm fire spread to three buildings in Queens on Saturday, leaving 21 people injured, including 19 FDNY firefighters and first responders, according to officials.

Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 9:50 a.m. to a reported first-floor fire at a home in the 132-15 block of 41st Road, between College Point Boulevard and Frame Place, an FDNY spokesperson told Patch.

The blaze quickly escalated, prompting multiple additional alarms. A fifth alarm was transmitted shortly before noon, officials said.

The fire extended to two neighboring buildings before firefighters were able to stabilize the blaze shortly after 1:10 p.m., though operations remained ongoing Saturday afternoon.

A total of 84 units and 270 FDNY fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene.

Officials said 21 people were injured, including two civilians, one of whom suffered critical injuries while the other suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to area hospitals.

The remaining injured were FDNY firefighters and EMS personnel who were also taken to hospitals. Officials did not immediately provide details on the nature of their injuries.

Earlier Saturday, the FDNY warned residents to expect heavy smoke and traffic delays around College Point Boulevard and 41st Road.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advised people in the area to avoid smoke exposure by staying indoors with windows closed when possible and limiting outdoor activity where smoke is present. People with heart or lung conditions, including asthma, were urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experienced shortness of breath or chest pain.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.