Astoria's waterfront had an unwelcome light show Thursday night when a three-alarm fire broke out at the corner of 12th Street and 27th Avenue, sending a thick column of smoke over nearby blocks and tangling traffic across the area. Neighbors in western Queens reported the smell of smoke drifting well beyond the immediate intersection as fire crews worked to box in the flames. Authorities urged people closest to the scene to stay indoors if possible and keep their windows shut while emergency units remained on site.
RT @NotifyNYC: .@FDNY Three Alarm Fire: 12th Street & 27th Avenue, Queens. Expect smoke & traffic delays in the area. People nearby should avoid smoke and close windows. https://x.com/i/status/2047456242889617884
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 23, 2026
Officials Warn Residents to Stay Clear of Smoke
According to Notify NYC, the incident was classified as a three-alarm fire at 12th Street and 27th Avenue and "people nearby should avoid smoke and close windows." A matching alert was shared in a post from FDNY on X, with both advisories warning of smoke and traffic delays while firefighters remained at the scene.
Where the Fire Happened
The corner of 12th Street and 27th Avenue sits inside Astoria, a neighborhood made up of mixed residential blocks, houses of worship and light industrial parcels, according to NYC Planning. That blend of homes, community spaces and industrial sites is common along this stretch of western Queens and helps explain how smoke managed to drift quickly across surrounding blocks.
Neighbors Report Smoke Across Sunnyside and Woodside
Local residents and community message boards lit up with images and firsthand accounts of heavy smoke spreading well beyond Astoria. Posters on r/Astoria described the smell of smoke reaching multiple blocks, including parts of Sunnyside and Woodside, and urged neighbors to shut their windows while the blaze was still active.
Traffic Disruptions and Safety Guidance
City alerts advised drivers to expect smoke-related delays around the intersection and to give emergency vehicles plenty of room to operate, per Notify NYC. People with breathing problems, young children and older adults were encouraged to limit outdoor activity until air quality improves.
What Officials Have Not Confirmed
As of the initial alert, officials had not released any information about injuries or what caused the fire, according to FDNY. City channels indicated that updates would follow as crews fully secured the scene, while community posts suggested the blaze may have involved nearby structures, a detail that has not been confirmed by authorities.
