Queens House Fire Leaves Three Family Members Dead: FDNY
Blaze Ignites in Bayside Neighborhood
A two-alarm fire ripped through a Queens home in the early hours of Sunday morning, claiming the lives of three family members.
Fire Department Response
The blaze was reported at approximately 2:40 a.m. on February 16th, with the first responding units alerted to a smoke condition by residents along 34th Avenue. Moments later, they spotted heavy smoke emanating from the basement of the 208th Street residence. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito reported that the fire spread from the cellar to the first floor through the walls and a little bit into the second floor, with heavy smoke conditions throughout the building.
Three Victims Pronounced Dead
As FDNY personnel battled the fire, they located two unconscious individuals in a first-floor bedroom and a third unconscious person in the basement. Police sources identified the victims as a 56-year-old man and two women, ages 54 and 90. It is believed that the victims were related to one another. All three were pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the fire, with the city’s Medical Examiner’s office to conduct autopsies to determine the exact cause of death.
Fire Commissioner’s Response
Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker mourned the loss of life, stating, “We have three people who lost their lives in a fire and… that’s unacceptable to me. We’re gonna do everything at the FDNY to make sure that fire deaths stay low. We certainly are thinking about the families that are affected by this.”
Investigation and Aftermath
More than 100 FDNY personnel from 25 units responded to the fire, with no serious injuries reported. However, Chief Esposito noted that the high death toll can be traumatic for firefighters, who often respond to medical emergencies and car accidents. The FDNY Counseling Service Unit will provide support to affected members.
The blaze was brought under control at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Sunday, with FDNY Marshals investigating the cause of the deadly fire.
Conclusion
The devastating fire in Queens serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety measures. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy.
FAQs
* What was the location of the fire?
The fire occurred on the 3300 block of 208th Street between 33rd and 34th Avenues in Bayside, Queens.
* How many people were killed in the fire?
Three individuals, including a 56-year-old man and two women aged 54 and 90, were pronounced dead.
* What was the cause of the fire?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by FDNY Marshals.
