A fast-moving fire tore through a seven-story apartment building in Queens, sending 13 people to hospitals and prompting a massive five-alarm response.
Thirteen people were injured after a fire broke out Saturday afternoon in a multi-story residential building in Queens, according to the New York City Fire Department.
The fire was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. at 41-40 Denman Street. FDNY units arrived within about three minutes and encountered flames burning on the fourth floor of the seven-story, non-fireproof building.
Fire spread through hidden spaces
Fire officials said the blaze quickly extended beyond the original apartment through concealed void spaces inside the structure. The fire then spread to the top floor and into the cockloft area beneath the roof.
“That fire traveled unimpeded through a void space into the top floor and into the cockloft space,” Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said. “Our engine companies moved in with eight handlines—it was a very labor-intensive fire. It was very warm out.”
Massive response to bring blaze under control
The fire escalated to a fifth alarm, triggering a large-scale emergency response. Approximately 300 FDNY and EMS personnel were assigned to the scene as crews worked to contain the flames and prevent further spread.
Officials said the fire was brought under control shortly after 2 p.m. No information about the severity of the injuries was immediately released.
Cause under investigation
Investigators are working to determine what sparked the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
FDNY has not released additional details about those injured or whether any residents were displaced by the blaze.
Key Points
• A fifth-alarm fire broke out Saturday at 41-40 Denman Street in Queens.
• Thirteen people were injured and approximately 300 FDNY and EMS personnel responded.
• Fire officials said the blaze spread through void spaces into the top floor and cockloft area.
