6 hurt, including 5 firefighters, in 5-alarm Ridgewood, Queens fire, FDNY says
Five firefighters were injured battling a blaze in Ridgewood, Queens, early Tuesday morning, the FDNY said.
In addition, a civilian was treated for burns to his hands and face.
The fire broke out at 1824 Madison St., between Seneca and Onderdonk avenues, causing street closures in the area.
Watch Chopper 2 over the fire
Firefighters said they received the call just before 3:30 a.m. for a fire on the first floor of the building. The fire quickly grew to five alarms, with more than 270 firefighters and EMS personnel responding.
"This is a response from a whole of government approach that includes FDNY, EMS, DOB, MTA, and we are so thankful that even in a fire of this scale, there was no loss of life," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. "We know, while there was no loss of life, this will irrevocably affect their lives."
Of the firefighters who were injured, one was hit in the head by an air conditioner that plunged out of a window.
FDNY officials said the building suffered a roof collapse as a result of the fire, and that four other buildings were vacated.
"To see everything destroyed, it's heartbreaking"
Some residents were forced to run out with only the clothes on their backs.
"It was like 3 a.m. I just woke up. In the shaft you hear popping. And I'm like, 'What is that?' And then the firemen starting knocking on our AC and our window, 'Oh my god, there's a fire. You gotta get out," displaced resident Jaelene Gomez said. "I grew up here. My mom grew up here. It's our family home. To see everything destroyed, it's heartbreaking."
"I'm glad me and my daughter got out. You know, things can be replaced, but it's hard. You gotta start all over from nothing," resident Joann Pucaria added.
MTA buses were brought in to provide warmth.
Impacted residents were asked to gather at P.S. 239Q to receive aid from the Red Cross, which says it has assisted 15 households, including six children and 26 adults.
"This is the second five-alarm fire this year, and we know that thanks to those who run towards the fire that so many New Yorkers were able to run towards safety," Mamdani said. "To have two five-alarm fires without a loss of life is a testament and a credit to the incredible work of the first responders that we have here in the city who have been pouring in. Some of the same firefighters that are here today were in the Bronx yesterday, and we are asking the world of them, and we are so thankful that they are able to keep people safe in the city."
New Yorkers are being urged to take every precaution during what can be a dangerous time of the year.
"We are already on track for a very active fire season. Knowing is half the battle, being prepared is half the battle. Go to FDNYsmart.org for safety tips, to sign up for a smoke detector installation," Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said.
City officials told people in the area to limit outdoor activity and to keep windows closed due to smoke in the area.
