A three-alarm fire tore through the intersection of 93rd Street and Astoria Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, on Sunday, May 3, blasting thick smoke across nearby blocks and tying up traffic in every direction. Emergency alerts from FDNY and NotifyNYC urged neighbors to steer clear of the smoke, shut their windows and brace for delays as fire crews rushed in.
FDNY Boosts NotifyNYC Alert
FDNY amplified a NotifyNYC message that labeled the emergency a three-alarm fire at 93rd Street and Astoria Boulevard and told people nearby to avoid smoke, close windows and expect smoke-related and traffic-related delays. The alert went up on social media shortly after crews were on scene, according to FDNY.
How To Protect Yourself From Smoke
Officials advised residents to stay inside and keep windows shut. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends closing doors and windows, setting HVAC systems to recirculate and running portable HEPA air cleaners or creating a "clean room" to cut indoor particle levels during smoke events, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Anyone dealing with chest pain, severe shortness of breath or other worrying symptoms is urged to seek medical care or call 911 under public-health guidance.
Where This Fits In Queens' Recent Fire Activity
The Astoria intersection blaze lands in the middle of a busy spring for Queens fire responses. In late April, a five-alarm fire at the First Reformed Church of Astoria brought out more than 270 fire and EMS personnel and left multiple firefighters injured, as reported by NY1.
FDNY's social media alert on the Astoria Boulevard fire did not mention a possible cause or whether anyone was hurt, and officials have not released additional details. Commuters are advised to plan for delays in the Astoria Boulevard area and keep an eye on official channels for updates.
