A third victim was discovered Saturday in the burned-out and collapsed home that was destroyed during a massive five-alarm fire in South Richmond Hill on Friday afternoon, according to the FDNY. Two people were discovered in a basement apartment after the inferno was brought under control around 4:45 p.m., fire officials said.
The blaze broke out inside a three-story home at 104-18 125th St. just south of Liberty Avenue at around 2:20 p.m. and it went to five alarms at around 3 p.m. More than 200 firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions and the residents on the residential street were warned to close their windows, according to the city’s Emergency Management Department.
A roof partially collapsed in the rear of the house nearly trapping some of the firefighters. Four neighboring homes were heavily damaged during the blaze, including one home across the street. Firefighters battled shifting winds and temperatures that soared above 90 degrees but finally knocked down the blaze at 4:45 p.m. The victims were discovered soon afterward, according to the FDNY.
Five firefighters suffered minor injuries and FDNY fire marshals will determine the cause of the fire.
On Friday evening, officials from the American Red Cross said they had provided emergency assistance to nine families, including 29 adults and 13 children. Emergency assistance can include emergency housing and emergency financial assistance. Families impacted by this fire who have not yet connected with the Red Cross should call 877-RedCross (877-733-2767).
Additional reporting by Lloyd Mitchell.
