The FDNY battled an early morning fire at a two-story residence in Whitestone that left at least 11 people injured Wednesday morning, including three firefighters. One firefighter at the scene told QNS that as many as 15 people may have suffered injuries from the blaze.
FDNY responded to the two-alarm fire at 147-14 23rd Ave. in Whitestone at approximately 6:25 a.m. on Dec. 21. The building is a two-story residence, with several families occupying each floor, including the basement, according to sources at the scene of the fire.
While three people were left critically injured, they are not believed to be life-threatening, according to FDNY sources at the scene. Another FDNY officer on the scene estimated that approximately 10 units arrived on the scene to put out the fire.
According to the firefighters on the scene, they were able to knock down the blaze by using four hose lines. Still, smoke had been bellowing out from the building well after the fire was put out.
As of 9 a.m., the fire was deemed to be under control, according to FDNY.
Many of the building’s residents were left devastated by the fire. Still, some returned to their homes after the fire was put out.
The fire department has not yet announced what caused the fire or the extent of the damage it caused. As of 10:30 a.m., the FDNY was in the process of investigating the cause of the fire.
According to one neighbor in the area, the damage from the fire hasn’t been limited to the lone property. The neighbor, who lives next door to the building, said the fire caused damage to their home’s vents.
This story was updated at 10:40 a.m. on Dec. 21.
