Queens Fire Displaces Dozens and Injures Nine, Including Firefighters

Queens Fire Erupts in Mixed-Use Building

• 🌃 A massive fire illuminated the night sky in Ridgewood, Queens, with thick smoke billowing from a mixed-use building on Flushing Avenue.
• 🏠 The blaze, which erupted just after 4 AM on a Saturday, forced approximately two dozen residents from their homes.

Firefighting Efforts and Injuries

• 🚒 Nearly 200 firefighters and EMTs responded to the scene, battling the "deep-seated and stubborn fire" for about three and a half hours.
• 💧 Special foam had to be used to extinguish the flames, which were fueled by thousands of tires at the Ecqua Tire Shop located on the ground floor.
• 🏥 Nine people were hospitalized, including four firefighters with minor injuries. A pregnant woman and two children were also taken to the hospital but are expected to recover.

Impact on Residents and Business

• 😥 Residents like Robert Rodonis and his roommate were forced to evacuate quickly, leaving behind pets and belongings.
• 🏘️ The Red Cross is assisting at least 25 people from eight households, providing temporary housing.
• 🏢 The building, which houses the long-standing Ecqua Tire Shop, will be evaluated next week to determine if parts need to be demolished.

Cause and Business Owner's Response

• ❓ The exact cause of the fire remains unclear.
• 🗣️ The owner of Ecqua Tire Shop for seven years expressed shock, stating such an incident had never occurred before at the business.
• 🙏 Building manager Jesus Maldonado expressed gratitude that everyone managed to evacuate safely, emphasizing that material possessions can be replaced.