Four-Alarm Inferno Destroys Four Dwellings
Dozens of Cypress Hills residents lost their homes last Saturday, Nov. 22, after a fouralarm inferno ripped through and severely damaged five residences, Fire Department sources said.
Reportedly, the blaze broke out at about 2:30 p.m. on Hemlock Street off Jamaica Avenue.
According to sources, the fire ignited on the upper floor of one of the wood-frame homes and quickly spread through the cocklofts to adjoining structures.
More than 200 firefighters from over 50 Fire Department units across Brooklyn and Queens responded to the scene under the direction of Division 13 along with officers from the 75th Precinct and EMS units.
While no residents were reportedly injured, three firefighters were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries suffered while fighting the blaze. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
The American Red Cross of Greater New York also came to the scene and assisted the families that the inferno displaced.
Firefighters reportedly used 12 hose lines stretched across the block to finally bring the blaze under control hours after it started.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by FDNY marshals, it was noted.
