Queens firefighters battle major fire in auto repair shop and remove barrels of flammable material
During a major fire on August 25, 2024, numerous drums of chemicals were found in an auto repair shop in Queens.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Early Sunday morning, firefighters in Queens battled a Level 2 fire in two commercial buildings where more than a dozen drums of highly flammable chemicals were stored.
FDNY According to sources, the fire broke out at around 12:56 a.m. on August 25 at 133-02 101st Ave. in South Richmond Hill, which houses an auto repair shop, tattoo parlor and hair salon.
When members of Engine Company 302 and Ladder Company 126 arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the basement. Firefighters quickly worked to break a hole in a floor to access the basement and fight the flames.
More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene. They used four hoses to extinguish most of the fire. Both buildings were searched for possible victims, but none were found. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was treated.
During the firefighting effort, firefighters discovered over a dozen drums of flammable materials inside the building. Members of HazMat Unit 1 and Engine Company 274 were called to quickly and safely remove the drums from the site.
The fire was brought under control at around 2:34 a.m. on Sunday. Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
