Massive Queens fire leaves 78-year-old woman dead as over 250 responders battle inferno

FLUSHING, NEW YORK: A massive five-alarm fire tore through a row of homes in Queens on Saturday, July 25, killing a 78-year-old woman and injuring 20 others, including 17 firefighters.

The blaze quickly spread through multiple buildings, prompting a massive emergency response as firefighters battled flames racing through nearly century-old wood-frame homes.

Fire spread rapidly through nearly century-old wood-frame homes

The FDNY received reports of the growing fire at 9.52 am near 41st Road and College Point Boulevard in Flushing.

Within less than an hour, the situation escalated into a five-alarm fire, with officials declaring the highest response level at 10.40 am, according to an FDNY spokesman.

Fire officials said the blaze started on the first floor of a two-story home that was part of a row of five buildings. By the time firefighters reached the scene, flames had already consumed two of the homes before spreading into a third.

Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said the age and construction of the buildings made the fire especially difficult to control.

“These buildings in this row of five … they were built in 1930, so they’re all wood. Wood-frame buildings,” Woods said.

He explained why firefighters were forced into a race against time almost immediately.

“The walls are wood, the floors are wood, the roof is also made of wood, so fire travels very, very rapidly. Very difficult for us to get ahead of these fires and extinguish,” Woods informed. 

More than 250 FDNY and EMS personnel responded to the blaze

As the fire intensified, more than 250 FDNY and EMS members responded to the scene to contain the flames and rescue those inside.

Officials said at least one resident became trapped inside the building where the fire first broke out.

Firefighters managed to rescue that person from the second floor before the situation became even more dangerous.

Images and video from the scene captured the scale of the emergency.

Thick smoke poured from the damaged buildings while firefighters worked from multiple positions to stop the flames from spreading further. Other photographs showed exhausted firefighters on stretchers, with one receiving oxygen after responding to the intense blaze.

The massive response continued as crews worked to bring the fire under control while ensuring nearby residents were safely evacuated.

Most of those injured were firefighters battling the flames

A total of 21 people were injured during the incident. Among them were 17 firefighters, though officials said none of their injuries were considered life-threatening.

All the victims were taken to local hospitals following the blaze.

The 78-year-old woman later died from her injuries, while the remaining victims, including the firefighters, were treated for conditions that were not considered life-threatening.

According to Woods, the injuries included heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation and minor sprains, highlighting the difficult conditions firefighters faced while battling the fast-moving blaze.

Residents displaced as investigators search for the cause

The fire caused significant damage to the affected buildings, forcing several residents from their homes.

The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist families who were displaced by the fire and provide immediate support as they dealt with the aftermath.

While emergency crews completed their response, investigators turned their attention to determining how the fire began.

Officials said the fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of the blaze.