A massive fire in Middle Village injured more than a dozen firefighters and took down six homes.
The blaze started just after 8 p.m. on Monday, according to FDNY officials, and quickly spread to five-alarms about an hour-and-a half later.
Firefighters got it under control at about 10:40 p.m. Investigators are still looking into what sparked the blaze.
The flames were so enormous nearly 200 firefighters responded to the scene and 13 received minor injuries. Three were taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, eight to Elmhurst Hospital, one to Jamaica Hospital and another was treated at the scene.
There were no civilians injured, but the blaze displaced seven families.
Red Cross teams met with 41 residents at the scene, and four families of eight adults and six children accepted emergency housing services at a local hotel.
Some of the families also received funds for food and clothes.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo said all three of his district office locations in Howard Beach, Middle Village and Rockaway Beach will collect donations for the families that lost their homes and possessions in the fire.
Following the blaze, Addabbo said that he will introduce legislation for homeowners to apply for tax credits equivalent to reforming “cocklofts” or attics. Although the cause of the fire and how it spread is still under investigation, according to the FDNY flames spread through attached houses usually by way of attics.
Residents affected can call the Red Cross of Greater New York at 877-733-2767 for help if they still have not received services.
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