During a fire in Queens early Tuesday, a window air conditioning unit fell and struck a firefighter on the head, causing him “significant pain,” according to officials.
The intense five-alarm fire ignited around 3:25 a.m. on the first floor of a three-story residence on Madison Street, near Onderdonk Street in Ridgewood. It rapidly intensified, displacing roughly 30 families, as per reports from authorities.
FDNY Director John Esposito informed the press, stating, “The fire spread to all floors of the building.” He added that the roof had collapsed completely and spread to the adjacent building, prompting the evacuation of four nearby structures.
Five firefighters sustained injuries while responding, with three receiving treatment for minor injuries on-site, according to the FDNY.
Two firefighters required hospitalization for their injuries, one of whom was injured by the falling air conditioning unit, Esposito noted.
“We had minor injuries among several firefighters, including one who was hit in the head by a falling air conditioner,” the chief said. “He has been taken to the hospital and is conscious, but he’s in significant pain.”
Additionally, one civilian was reported hospitalized with minor injuries.
At the peak of the incident, 84 units, which included 270 firefighters and paramedics, were on the scene, as stated by the department.
Zachary Iskol, director of the city’s Office of Emergency Management, mentioned that nearly 30 homes were evacuated and those affected were taken to an immediate response center at nearby PS 239.
Among the displaced was Noemi Vargas, a Long Island resident who had been away on vacation with her daughter. She was devastated to discover her home was involved in the fire while watching news coverage.
“I hoped it wouldn’t spread,” Vargas expressed. “But here it is, everything’s gone. I’ve lived here for years.” Despite the loss, she expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities.
“God is good,” she reflected. “This is something material that can be replaced, not memories or a place. But I have faith.”
Eduard Skiver, the homeowner, described the sound of the fire as similar to “the roof breaking on the second floor,” and lamented the destruction of everything he had known.
“I’ve lived here since 1959,” Skiver shared. “I was born in 1958—I’ve spent my whole life here.”
“That’s all I had,” he added, visibly shaken. “I don’t drive. I’m alone now. My parents passed away long ago, and my sister died three years back.”
This fire was the second five-alarm fire in the city within a few days. The earlier incident occurred early Monday morning at a deli in the Bronx, spreading to an apartment above.
New Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who was present at both fire scenes, remarked, “It showcases the incredible work of our first responders that we faced two five-alarm fires without loss of life.”
He further remarked, “Some firefighters here today were at the Bronx fire yesterday. We’re grateful for their dedication to keeping our city safe.”
