The FDNY battled an intense three-alarm apartment building fire at the Greenwood Arms complex in Howard Beach on Thursday morning.
The first calls were received at around 11:20 a.m. after a fire broke out on the fourth floor of a six-story building at 86-10 151st Ave. Units from Engine Company 331 and Ladder Company 107 arrived on the scene to find heavy fire conditions that traveled through the walls to the sixth floor.
“As we started to open the walls up, it became apparent that the fire had extended,” FDNY Assistant Chief Joseph Ferrante, Queens Borough Commander, said. “This is a non-fireproof building. It’s made primarily of wood. The fire extended to the sixth floor and then eventually into to cock [loft] area of the top floor. At that point, we realized we had an advanced fire on our hands.”
The FDNY transmitted a second alarm at 11:41 a.m., and as the fire spread, it went to a third alarm at 11:54 a.m., bringing 33 units and 138 firefighters and EMS to the street between 85th and 88th Street.
The fire was brought under control at 1:28 p.m. and no civilians were injured. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for treatment. Ten apartments on the top floors were heavily damaged and the American Red Cross dispatched a team to connect with impacted residents and work with government partners to assess short-term emergency needs. The Red Cross team established a reception center at 149-30 88th Street, across the street from the scene of the fire, where they registered eleven displaced households and 25 individuals, including three children and six older adults, for emergency assistance such as temporary lodging. Additional impacted residents also self-located with friends or family. The Red Cross also provided care items and dinner meals to those who were displaced. Any residents impacted by the fire who need help with their recovery and have not already connected with the team can call 1-877-RED CROSS (877-733-2767) and select option one.
“The fire today at the Greenwood Arms was devastating, and I commend the quick and heroic actions of the FDNY in bringing this under control before even more damage was caused,” Council Member Joann Ariola said. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of New York’s Bravest, there were only two minor injuries reported from this blaze. The fire has tragically left a number of residents displaced, and my heart goes out to them. My office will be in constant contact with the American Red Cross and the NYC Office of Emergency Management to ensure they get all of the services they need, and they can get back on their feet and into their homes as quickly as possible.”
Inspectors from the city’s Department of Building were at the scene for a structural stability inspection and found extensive fire damage on the 4th, 5th and sixth floors. FDNY fire marshals will determine the cause of the fire.
