9 firefighters injured as fire rips through 4 homes in Woodside, Queens
WOODSIDE, Queens (WABC) -- At least nine firefighters were injured in a five-alarm blaze that tore through four homes in Queens.
The FDNY responded to the scene at 37-18 59th Street in Woodside shortly after receiving the call around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.
They found the home fully engulfed in flames that spread to three other neighboring homes.
"The wind was definitely a factor. It was a heavy wind condition tonight, as we all know. It contributed to the rapid spread of the fire," said Chief of Department John Hodgens, FDNY.
Eyewitness News Reporter Josh Einiger was on the scene Tuesday night:
The NYPD and FDNY remained on the scene Wednesday morning due to some rekindling due to the wind.
Nine firefighters were taken to Cornell Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"It all happened in a matter of about 15 minutes. After I made the call, while I was making the call, it was engulfing in flames and there wasn't much you could do other than stand there and get out of the way," said Kelly Gonzalez, a neighbor.
Hodges says firefighters were on the scene in just under four minutes.
"The wind condition is always a factor in these fires. Once it goes to one building, especially when they are close to each other, there is always chance for extension, and thats what happened here," Hodges said.
Eighteen people were living in the now-destroyed homes. The buildings department issued a full vacate order for the four properties. The Red Cross is helping them find temporary housing.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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