The fire broke out in the basement of the 42nd Street home and quickly spread through the roof.
Five injuries were reported, with four of them being firefighters who were treated for non-life threatening injuries at Maimonides Medical Center. One resident, a woman, was taken to New York Methodist Hospital and was expected to survive.
The fire destroyed the three-family home and left 17 residents, including three children, homeless. The Red Cross is working to find temporary housing.
Firefighters were hampered by debris inside the home.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
The investigation is ongoing.
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