Massive Queens Fire Injures 9, Including 4 Firefighters, After Starting in Tire Shop

Overnight Fire Engulfs Queens Building

• 🚒 A massive fire broke out just after 4:00 AM in Ridgewood, Queens, at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Flushing Avenue.
• 🏢 The fire started in a tire shop on the ground level and quickly spread to the 10 apartments above.
• 🔥 Firefighters described the blaze as a "deep-seated stubborn fire" that was difficult to combat.

Firefighting Challenges and Response

• ⚠️ Firefighters initially attempted an internal attack on the tires within the shop, but a ceiling collapse forced them to retreat.
• 🪜 A switch to an exterior attack using tower ladders was then employed to bring the fire under control.
• 💥 The fire grew to three alarms, requiring a significant response from the fire department over several hours.

Injuries and Building Evacuation

• 🏥 Nine people, including five residents and four firefighters, were hospitalized.
• 🤕 Firefighters sustained minor burns, while residents were taken for evaluation after evacuating.
• 🐾 Residents managed to escape with their pets, describing smoke filling the hallways as they fled.

Investigation Underway

• 🔍 The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
• 📍 Officials confirmed the fire originated in the tire shop, but the specific spark remains unknown.