Fire rips through row of homes in Queens, injuring 14 including 11 firefighters
QUEENS VILLAGE, Queens (WABC) -- A "very fierce fire" ripped through seven homes in Queens on Saturday, injuring 14 people, including 11 firefighters, in a battle complicated by the hot weather.
The fire broke out just after 4 p.m. Saturday on 88-21 Francis Lewis Blvd. near Hillside Avenue and 89th Avenue in Queens Village.
The FDNY called it a dangerous fire that was especially draining on its firefighters because of the hot weather - for that reason, it hit a fifth alarm.
Firefighters exiting the battle needing immediate relief - a wet towel or a cup of water. In the heat of the battle was also a daughter, looking for her mom.
"She's 90 years old. I'm so impacted by the fact that I grew up in this house. I don't know what we're going to do, but hopefully we can figure this out," said Sharon Solomon.
Solomon's 90-year-old mother made it out - she waited in the rain as firefighters doused the row of homes that went up in flames. Hers included.
"The fire department responded within two minutes, but this was a very fierce fire," said FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeiffer.
The FDNY says the fire broke out in the rear of the home on Francis Lewis Boulevard, rapidly burning through cars, garages, and six more homes.
"We had heavy fire on multiple floors in multiple buildings. It was a very difficult fire fight - very warm today, very humid, and it takes a toll on our firefighters," said FDNY Acting Chief of Department John Esposito.
The toll was evident - 11 firefighters sustained minor injuries, as well as three civilians. Most of the injuries were heat-related.
Behind the homes was a steaming heap of rubble, including propane cylinders that also caught fire.
The only saving grace was the presence of firewalls built into the homes that prevented the flames from spreading even further.
"I'm going to stay with my daughter, but a lot will be on my mind because I don't know what the inside of my house is like now," said Etheline Solomon.
Fire marshals are investigating the cause. Right now FDNY says the fire does not appear to be suspicious.
Seven homes have been displaced.
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