The Red Cross registered 17 adults and two children who were displaced by the five-alarm fire.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
FDNY fire marshals are working to determine what caused a raging five-alarm fire that tore through four adjoining homes in Richmond Hill on Monday night.
Officials say a call was received at 10:49 p.m. on Dec. 1 of a fire at a home at 91-32 108th St., and Engine Company 294 and Ladder 143 arrived in minutes to find heavy fire conditions had already spread into the cockloft in the area between the ceiling and the roof.
Hundreds of firefighters battled a 5-alarm fire that ripped through four adjoining two-family homes in Richmond Hill on Monday, Dec. 1. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
“Units arrived in a little over three minutes,” FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods said. “This building is a two-story flat-roof, non-fireproof building in a row of four attached buildings. Upon arrival, we had heavy fire in all four buildings.”
A second alarm was transmitted at 11:03 p.m., and as the blaze intensified over the next hour, a fifth alarm was transmitted at 12:03 a.m., bringing a total of 60 units and 220 firefighters and EMS personnel to the location between Atlantic Avenue and 91st Avenue. Firefighters deployed and mounted an aggressive interior attack using eight hose lines.
Hundreds of firefighters battled a 5-alarm fire that ripped through four adjoining two-family homes in Richmond Hill on Monday, Dec. 1. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
“The original fire building had fire in the cellar, first, and second floor,” Woods said. “Our engine companies moved in very aggressively into all these buildings. They were able to knock down this fire and prevent further extension into other surrounding buildings.”
The fire was brought under control at 1:26 a.m., and EMS treated one civilian and one firefighter for minor injuries at the scene.
“We saw thick smoke coming from across the street, and the fire department went to work right away,” neighbor Peter Estrada said. “Thank God for them.”
The American Red Cross responded and registered eight households, including 17 adults and two children, for emergency assistance, such as temporary lodging and financial assistance. Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings found extensive fire damage at 91-30 108th St. had spread to neighboring properties at 91-28, 91-32, and 91-34 108th St., all two-story, two-family attached dwellings. Utilities were cut to all four buildings and due to the safety hazard caused by the damage, DOB issued full vacate orders to the four buildings.
The Red Cross registered 17 adults and two children who were displaced by the five-alarm fire. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Any residents impacted by the five-alarm fire who need help with their recovery and have not already connected with the Red Cross should call 877-RED CROSS (877-733-2767) and select Option 1.
“Late Monday night, a devastating fire tore through Richmond Hill in my district, displacing 19 residents and injuring two people,” Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar said in a statement. “The blaze escalated into a five-alarm fire across four buildings, causing catastrophic damage and leaving families without homes. My heart is with every person affected.”
She added that she was in direct contact with the 102nd Precinct, FDNY Engine 294/Ladder 143, and the American Red Cross, and will continue working with all responding agencies to ensure every displaced resident receives the urgent support and long-term assistance they need during such a difficult time.
“Fires of this magnitude have become far too common, in large part due to the rapid spread through cocklofts—an ongoing hazard that has fueled multiple fires in our community,” Rajkumar said. “That is why I introduced the Residential Structure Fire Prevention Act (A1753), which provides financial support for homeowners to eliminate these dangerous spaces. We must pass this bill now to prevent future tragedies and save lives. To the families affected: I stand with you, and will do all I can to help you with the resources, stability, and support you need.”
She thanked the members of the FDNY who battled the devastating 5-alarm fire.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 200 brave firefighters and EMS personnel who responded to this horrific blaze,” Rajkumar said. “Your courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication protect our community every single day. We are profoundly grateful.”