The fire broke out just before 1 p.m. at a six-story building on Hawthorne Street between Rogers and Nostrand Avenues.
Citizen App video shows heavy flames and thick, black smoke billowing out from the top of the apartment building.
According to the FDNY, crews used five handlines to get into the building, where they found the fire in the cockloft area of three top-floor apartments.
One firefighter was treated for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.
At least 18 apartments sustained possible water damage, according to the FDNY.
NewsCopter 7 was over the scene as firefighters were assessing damage to the building on the roof.
Officials say while crews responded to the fire in under three minutes, two nearby hydrants were blocked by cars, impeding FDNY operations.
The New York City Department of Buildings and the Red Cross also responded to the scene.
The fire was placed under control around 2 p.m.
FDNY Fire Marshals arrested one civilian for illegal use of a blow torch, as authorities try to determine the cause of the fire.
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