Firefighters battle Queens blaze; Arson suspect in custody

JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) -- Firefighters are battled a smoky blaze after residents reported a possible explosion in Queens Monday afternoon.

It happened on 89th Avenue and 163rd Street in Jamaica. Residents said that their whole building shook.

It appeared the fire started on the lower floor, with flames visible out lower-level windows and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

No injuries have been reported.

There were 25 Units and 106 firefighters on the scene of the second-alarm fire, and nearby residents had to be evacuated.

The flames were quickly brought under control.

A number of families were still out of their homes Monday night, and the Red Cross is providing assistance to those who need it.

Police were there before the fire even started because the suspect's mother called 911 about her son threatening to set a fire.

The NYPD reports that an emotionally-disturbed individual set the apartment on fire.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shahed Harun, is currently in custody and was transported to an area hospital by FDNY. He is charged with attempted murder, arson and reckless endangerment.

He is at Nassau University Medical Center with burns to his face and legs.

He has an extensive psychiatric history and one sealed arrest.

There were initially reports of an explosion, but authorities do not believe there was anything more than the fire.