Flushing Queens fire injures at least 12 as flames spread to nearby buildings
Officials said a five-alarm fire in Flushing hurt firefighters, EMTs and civilians, with smoke and traffic warnings in the area.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
A Flushing Queens fire injured at least 12 people Saturday after flames broke out in a home and spread to adjoining buildings, officials told CBS News New York.
The fire was reported shortly before 10 a.m. on 41st Road near College Point Boulevard in Flushing, according to officials. They said it began on the first floor of a home before reaching at least two neighboring buildings.
By noon, the blaze had been raised to five alarms. CBS News New York reported that it remained out of control as of 12:40 p.m.
How many people were hurt in the Flushing Queens fire?
Officials said at least 12 people were injured: eight firefighters, two EMTs and two civilians. One civilian suffered serious injuries, and five firefighters had injuries described by officials as moderate to serious.
All of the injured people were taken to local hospitals for treatment, officials said. No additional details about their conditions were immediately reported.
Fire crews were seen pouring water onto a smoking home as the response continued, according to CBS News New York. The number of alarms reflects the size of the fire department response, with a five-alarm fire drawing a large deployment of personnel and equipment.
Where did the fire start?
Officials said the fire started on the first floor of a home on 41st Road, near College Point Boulevard. It then spread to at least two attached or adjoining buildings.
The cause of the fire was not known as of the latest update. Fire officials were expected to release more information at a press conference sometime Saturday afternoon, CBS News New York reported.
What should people nearby do?
Officials urged nearby residents to keep their windows closed to limit exposure to smoke. Drivers were also told to expect road closures and traffic delays around the fire scene.
The fire response was still active early Saturday afternoon, and officials had not yet said when the area would reopen or when residents could return to affected buildings.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.