"Like an out-of-control bonfire": Staten Island fire spreads to multiple homes, dozens displaced
NEW YORK -- Three firefighters are recovering after being hurt in a fast-moving residential fire on Staten Island.
CBS2's Christina Fan has more on how they raced in to save lives.
The fire broke out on Pitney Avenue just before 10 p.m. on Saturday. Strong winds quickly spread the embers from home to home.
More than 140 firefighters rushed into the danger, trying to evacuate residents as others fought to contain the flames. Cellphone video shows what they were up against -- multiple homes engulfed, the siding melting off others.
"They were just full speed ahead marching into that house. It was really amazing to watch. Tear jerking. Just so intense watching," neighbor Regina Massimill said.
"I'm like, 'You smell that?' He's like, 'Yeah.' It's an acrid smell, like you smell right now. It's not a barbeque, not wood. Came out to the far right and it looked like an out-of-control bonfire," neighbor Mark Keane added.
Fire marshals are investigating the cause. They said the trouble began on the first floor of the two-story house and ended up extending to three neighboring homes.
Aggie Catalano came to inspect the damage for her sister, who lives next door. The family just left for Greece two days ago. Their vacation has now turned into a nightmare.
"It's all wet. A lot of things are hanging, broken, destroyed. A lot of things destroyed," Catalano said.
It took more than an hour for firefighters to get the flames under control. In all, 15 people were displaced.
"Could have been a lot worse if it wasn't the aggressive actions of the FDNY," FDNY Assistant Chief Kevin Woods said.
The three firefighters were hospitalized with minor injuries. All of the families were able to make it out safely.