Nine people are recovering following a fire that engulfed a tire repair shop and the apartments above it early Saturday morning in Ridgewood, Queens. The incident required a significant response from the FDNY, with 120 firefighters working to contain the blaze.
Firefighters Battle Stubborn Flames
The fire broke out around 4:00 AM at a three-story complex located at 19-05 Flushing Ave. near Metropolitan Ave., and quickly spread to every floor. According to FDNY Assistant Chief David Simms, the presence of “thousands of tires” significantly complicated firefighting efforts.
Simms explained that extinguishing a tire fire is particularly difficult, stating, “Anytime you get rubber burning, a tire fire… you put water on it, but it continues to burn.” During the response, a portion of the building collapsed, forcing firefighters to briefly evacuate the rear of the structure for safety.
Injuries and Investigation
Four firefighters and five civilians sustained minor injuries as a result of the fire. Fire marshals are currently investigating the cause of the blaze. The property manager, Jesus Maldonado, who is also a tenant of the building, expressed deep concern for his neighbors, stating, “I was concerned for all the people, concerned for my neighbors. I’ve known them for years… Making sure that everybody was okay — that was the first thing on my mind.”
The extent of the damage to the building and the displacement of residents is still being assessed. It is possible that residents will face temporary housing challenges while the building is evaluated and repairs are made. Further investigation could reveal code violations or safety concerns that contributed to the fire’s intensity and spread. The long-term impact on the affected businesses and individuals remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many firefighters responded to the fire?
120 firefighters from the FDNY battled the flames.
Where did the fire occur?
The fire took place at a three-story complex located at 19-05 Flushing Ave. near Metropolitan Ave. in Ridgewood, Queens.
What caused the fire to be so difficult to extinguish?
According to FDNY Asst. Chief David Simms, the fire was difficult to extinguish because of the thousands of tires stored in the building, which continue to burn even after water is applied.
How will this event impact the Ridgewood community in the days and weeks to come?
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