More than 200 firefighters responded after the blaze seared through the homes on 108th Street just before 11 p.m. Monday night.
Fire officials say the fire started in the cellar, first and second floors of one home before spreading to all of the attached adjacent homes.
At least one of the homes partially collapsed, and all four homes sustained severe damage.
One resident and two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
Those living in the impacted buildings, including 17 adults and two children, have been displaced. The Red Cross is assisting to provide help.
"It's sad at this time of the year for those people because we are all like a family around here," said neighbor Rowina Singh.
The fire was under control by 1:30 a.m. The Department of Buildings will have to evaluate the structural integrity of the homes.
Officials with the FDNY are working to determine the cause of the fire.
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