The Broad Channel section of Queens turned into an active fire scene Thursday afternoon as the FDNY tackled a two-alarm blaze at 321 Bert Road, the department said. Crews from multiple companies remained on site working to bring the fire under control and to shield nearby properties. There were no immediate reports of injuries, and officials had not yet released a possible cause.
FDNY is operating at a 2-alarm fire at 321 Bert Road in Queens.
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 19, 2026
FDNY confirms two-alarm response
In a post on X, the department wrote, "FDNY is operating at a 2-alarm fire at 321 Bert Road in Queens," according to FDNY. The alert went out at 3:19 p.m. Thursday on the department's official account, confirming the two-alarm response.
Scene and building details
Property records list 321 Bert Road as a two-story, single-unit building in Broad Channel with frontage on Cross Bay Boulevard, according to PropertyPanel. Broad Channel is a small inhabited island in Jamaica Bay with limited access routes that can shape emergency response patterns, according to Wikipedia.
Investigation and legal context
Fire scene investigations in New York City are handled by the FDNY's Bureau of Fire Investigation and its Fire Marshals, who determine cause and coordinate with other agencies, per JoinFDNY. The Department of Buildings previously cited the owners of 321 Bert Road for illegally using the premises as dead and junk storage of motor vehicles and boats, an action recorded in the agency's enforcement bulletin. If inspections tie Thursday's blaze to code violations, DOB can pursue fines or orders of closure as part of its enforcement process.
Neighborhood impact and next steps
Neighbors should expect heavy fire apparatus traffic and possible street closures while crews continue to operate, and anyone in the immediate area is urged to follow instructions from emergency personnel and steer clear of the scene. This story will be updated as FDNY and other city agencies release additional information.
