Three people were injured in an apartment fire in Queens on Saturday afternoon, sending firefighters racing to the scene as emergency crews treated the wounded. Officials have not yet said how badly anyone was hurt or what might have started the blaze, leaving neighbors with more questions than answers.
According to CBS News New York, video from the scene shows smoke pouring from the building while firefighters worked to knock down the flames. The brief TV report offered little beyond the timing of the call, and as of now there is still no detailed official statement from authorities.
Context: A Dangerous Year for Queens Fires
This latest blaze follows a rough stretch for Queens when it comes to serious residential fires. A four-alarm fire in Flushing in March that killed four people is being investigated as a possible arson, as reported by the New York Daily News and covered by FireRescue1. Earlier in the year, an early-January five-alarm fire in Ridgewood left six people injured, according to NY1.
How Residents Can Stay Safer
Fire safety officials repeat it for a reason: working smoke alarms and a simple, practiced escape plan are the easiest ways to cut your risk at home. The American Red Cross' Home Fire Campaign offers free smoke alarm installations and safety visits in the New York area; more information is available from the Red Cross.
We will update this story when the FDNY, the NYPD or city fire marshals release more details about Saturday's fire. If you were at the scene and have video or first-hand information, contact local authorities or the news outlet that published the initial report.
