The FDNY battled a fast-moving two-alarm house fire in Forest Hills early Wednesday morning that injured one firefighter. The blaze broke out in a two-story private home at 114 Walnut St., a block north of Forest Park at 2:34 a.m. Arriving units found heavy fire conditions throughout the basement, first and second floors. Firefighters were hampered by an SUV parked illegally in front of a fire hydrant at the location.
The FDNY transmitted a second alarm, bringing 25 units and 106 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene. Nearby residents said the building had been undergoing construction in recent weeks and firefighters were evacuated from the rooftop due to sagging conditions towards the rear of the home. Firefighters could be seen through a second-story window pulling down ceilings after flames breached the cockloft, the area between the roof and ceiling.
Firefighters braved frigid temperatures and used five hose lines to knock down the main body of the fire which was brought under control at 4:17 a.m.
Searches throughout the building were negative and one firefighter suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Jamaica Hospital Center for treatment.
The cause of the blaze will be determined by FDNY fire marshals.
Inspectors from the Department of Buildings determined that the fire had severely charred the structure’s walls and joists, compromising the building. The inspectors issued a Full Vacate Order. DOB issued a summons for the building being rendered non-code compliant due to fire damage and ordered the building owner to seal the building in the interest of public safety.
