Fire engulfs 7 Queens homes, injuring 14 including 11 firefighters

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A "very fierce fire" tore through seven homes in Queens on Saturday, injuring 14 people, including 11 firefighters, in a battle complicated by the hot weather, ABC News 7 reports.

The fire erupted shortly after 4 p.m. on 88-21 Francis Lewis Blvd., near Hillside Avenue and 89th Avenue in Queens Village.

The FDNY described it as a dangerous blaze, particularly taxing for firefighters due to the hot weather. For that reason, it hit a fifth alarm.

Firefighters exiting the scene needed immediate relief, whether a wet towel or a cup of water. 

Among those affected was a daughter searching for her mother. "She's 90 years old. I'm deeply affected because I grew up in this house. I don't know what we're going to do, but hopefully we can figure this out," said Sharon Solomon. Solomon's 90-year-old mother escaped safely and waited in the rain as firefighters battled the flames consuming the row of homes, including hers.

"The fire department responded within two minutes, but this was a very fierce fire," stated FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeiffer.

The FDNY reported that the fire started at the rear of the home on Francis Lewis Boulevard, rapidly spreading through cars, garages, and six additional homes.

"We had heavy fire on multiple floors in multiple buildings. It was a very challenging fight – very warm today, very humid, and it takes a toll on our firefighters," said FDNY Acting Chief of Department John Esposito.

The toll was evident, with 11 firefighters and three civilians sustaining minor injuries, mostly heat-related.

Behind the homes lay a smoldering heap of rubble, including propane cylinders that had also ignited.

The only saving grace was the firewalls built into the homes, which prevented the flames from spreading even further.

"I'm going to stay with my daughter, but a lot will be on my mind because I don't know what the inside of my house is like now," said Etheline Solomon.

Fire marshals are investigating the cause, but the FDNY currently believes the fire does not appear suspicious.


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