At the height of the fire, flames and heavy smoke could be seen pouring from the roof of the building.
Investigators said the fire started in the space between the building's roof and the ceiling of the top floor.
The fire spread to the entire sixth floor of the building in an hour, spewing smoke throughout the neighborhood.
More than 250 firefighters were sent to the scene.
Officials said 17 firefighters and 2 civilians suffered injuries. Fire officials say 15 firefighters had minor injuries and four were hurt more seriously, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Two civilians were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The fire was declared under control around 8:15.
The fire started in the B wing of the building and extended through the roof. Six apartments in the B wing have fire damage and an unknown amount of apartments have water damage, officials said
More than 40 families have been displaced by the fire.
Red Cross set up a reception center for displaced residents at the Jackie Robinson School at 47 McKeever Place. An MTA bus was providing transport of tenants to the school.
National Grid and Con Ed was waiting for FDNY inspection to check the building. Several roads were closed in the area. They included Lincoln Road between Bedford Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush Avenue between Lefferts Avenue and Parkside Avenue, and Washington Avenue between Lincoln Road and Lefferts Avenue.
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