Queens Fire Displaces Dozens and Injures Nine, Including Firefighters
CBS New YorkJanuary 22, 20262 min3,673 views
3 connectionsΒ·5 entities in this videoβQueens Fire Erupts in Mixed-Use Building
- π A massive fire illuminated the night sky in Ridgewood, Queens, with thick smoke billowing from a mixed-use building on Flushing Avenue.
- π The blaze, which erupted just after 4 AM on a Saturday, forced approximately two dozen residents from their homes.
Firefighting Efforts and Injuries
- π Nearly 200 firefighters and EMTs responded to the scene, battling the "deep-seated and stubborn fire" for about three and a half hours.
- π§ 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.
- π₯ 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
- π₯ Residents like Robert Rodonis and his roommate were forced to evacuate quickly, leaving behind pets and belongings.
- ποΈ The Red Cross is assisting at least 25 people from eight households, providing temporary housing.
- π’ 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
- β The exact cause of the fire remains unclear.
- π£οΈ The owner of Ecqua Tire Shop for seven years expressed shock, stating such an incident had never occurred before at the business.
- π Building manager Jesus Maldonado expressed gratitude that everyone managed to evacuate safely, emphasizing that material possessions can be replaced.
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Queens FireRidgewoodFlushing AvenueEcqua Tire ShopFDNYFirefightersInjuriesDisplaced ResidentsTemporary HousingBuilding EvaluationFire Cause
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