It took more than 12 hours, but the FDNY has finally extinguished a four-alarm fire that broke out early Wednesday morning at an auto parts shop in Glendale, though the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
A pair of firefighters were injured while operating at the location after units were called to Parts Authority, an auto parts store located at 89-40 Metropolitan Ave. at the intersection of Aubrey Avenue, just after 6 a.m. on March 8, according to FDNY. The fire was not extinguished until approximately 6:30 p.m., more than 12 hours after first responding to the blaze.
Several explosions could be heard emanating from the one-story commercial building alongside the Chase bank branch on Woodhaven Boulevard across from St. John Cemetery.
A short time after their arrival, firefighters were withdrawn from the building and four tower ladders were deployed to knock down the intense fire and heavy smoke conditions that could be seen for miles. In all, 168 firefighters from 39 units were operating at the scene along with EMS personnel.
The two injured firefighters were transported to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment. Their injuries are considered minor, according to the FDNY.
“We’re still trying to gain access to small pockets of fire and we’ll be operating here for quite some time,” FDNY Assistant Chief Tom Currao said adding that reports of explosions are being investigated. “It is an auto parts store so there’s probably a lot of different materials and chemicals and there has yet to be a determination about the air yet so we’re closing off the area. We’re trying to keep any civilians away from the area as the lack of exposure to the hazardous smoke byproducts is recommended.”
He added that the building had collapsed and there was a partial collapse of the adjoining garage.
The fire was extinguished by 6:30 p.m., according to the FDNY. The cause of the fire is still under investigation
Additional reporting by Lloyd Mitchell.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 7:45 p.m. on March 8.
