A dozen Jamaica homes were impacted by a three-alarm fire that tore through several residential buildings on Liberty Avenue at 168th Place early Sunday morning.
The FDNY received a call just before 3 a.m. on July 28 of a blaze at 168-20 Liberty Ave. Units from the 13th Division arrived on the scene minutes later and encountered heavy smoke and fire condition.
The fire spread to two adjoining residential buildings soon afterward and a third-alarm was transmitted, bringing 33 units and 138 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene.
The fire was finally brought under control at 4:40 a.m. Eight people were injured, including two firefighters.
EMS transported one person to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and a second patient was rushed to Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Manhasset for treatment. Two firefighters were taken to Queens Hospital Center with minor injuries. Four civilians refused medical attention at the scene, according to the FDNY.
The Red Cross of Greater New York registered 12 households, including 17 adults, four children and one dog, for emergency assistance, including temporary lodging and financial assistance.
Inspectors from the city Department of Buildings found charred wood framing and an open roof at 168-20 Liberty Ave., and the adjoining properties at 168-18 and 168-16 Liberty Ave. sustained significant fire damage as well. Inspectors also found sustained minor fire damage at 103-14 168th St.
DOB issued full vacate orders at 168-20, 168-18 and 168-16 Liberty Ave.
In the interest of public safety, DOB inspectors also ordered the buildings boarded up, and a team began that work later Sunday morning. Prior to the three-alarm fire, no DOB violations were issued to 168-20 Liberty Ave.
FDNY fire marshals will determine the cause of the fire and Red Cross caseworkers are meeting with impacted residents to help connect them with longer-term recovery resources from nonprofit and government partners.
The Red Cross of Greater New York is asking any residents from the three impacted buildings who have not already connected with them and need help with their recovery to call 877-RED CROSS (877-733-2767).
