Firefighters Hurt While Battling 3-Alarm Fire In East Elmhurst, Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Six firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling a three-alarm fire early Tuesday morning in Queens.
The blaze broke out around 2 a.m. and consumed three detached garages and two homes on 91st Street in East Elmurst.
"The fire started in the back and made its way to the front," fire victim Diego Bordas said.
"It was just like a ball of orange flame and it just burst so loud and took over so quickly," neighbor Helene Troia.
More than 150 firefighters responded to the fire. FDNY Deputy Chief Assistant Chief Michael Gala said the wind played a factor, fanning the flames and making it a challenge for crews, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
"The firefight lasted a little over an hour until we brought the fire under control," Gala said.
Nine residents made it out safely.
"Everybody's safe, that's the most important thing," said John Kien, who lived in one of two units badly damaged at 23-41 91st St.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
