NEW YORK – Families in Queens Village returned to their homes Sunday to salvage what they could a day after a fire raged through several buildings.
It began around 4 p.m. Saturday, sending huge plumes of black smoke into the sky that could be seen for blocks. Cellphone footage showed flames shooting from the roofs of five connected homes on Francis Lewis Boulevard.
Officials said a firewall — a concrete wall that extends to the roof — prevented the fire from spreading to more homes. However, flames did spread to a garage and 14 people, including nearly a dozen firefighters, suffered minor injuries.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
“It was such a normal Saturday morning”
It was a heartbreaking day for MD Khan and his family, who tried to salvage what they could from their fire-ravaged second-floor apartment.
“This is my house. I’m going to cry,” he said.
His wife, clearly distraught, pulled out a pile of clothes and some household items — all that was left. Photos from inside show the extent of the devastation.
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“The floors are wet. The ceilings, obviously the firefighters had to tear them out, so the floor is just ruined and everything. And as soon as you look into the living room, it’s completely black,” said son Araf Khan.
Araf Khan said he first saw the flames at a neighboring house.
“I’m looking out the window. Their balcony is on fire next to us. I just ran out of the bathroom,” he said. “It was one of those normal Saturday mornings. You wake up and do your own thing, and then all of a sudden there’s a fire.”
Photo provided
Despite the loss of their possessions, the Khans have much to be thankful for.
“I feel really lucky because I survived such a fire. My family and I all came out,” said Araf Khan.
The Red Cross is helping seven families with housing.
