NEW YORK — Three New York City firefighters were seriously injured Friday in what the commissioner said was “very close” when windswept flames ripped through a Staten Island duplex. They are alert and expected to survive, authorities said.
Firefighters rescued a second-floor lieutenant after transmitting an emergency signal during a search for occupants in one of the homes in the borough’s Arden Heights neighborhood, department chief John Hodgens said.
A worker involved in the rescue was hit in the head by falling plaster, knocking off his mask and forcing him to breathe in heavy smoke, Hodgens said.
Another firefighter jumped from a second-story balcony after becoming trapped in the fire, Hodgens said.
All three firefighters were taken to Staten Island University Hospital, where they are in stable but critical condition.
Fire marshal Laura Kavanagh told a press conference at the hospital that injured firefighters are awake, alert and even joking, but continue to be monitored and treated for various injuries.
“I can’t stress enough that this was a very close call for the FDNY,” Kavanagh said. “We could have lost three members today.”
Nineteen other firefighters suffered minor injuries, Kavanagh said. No resident was injured.
The fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. into a gap between additions at the back of each home and quickly spread to adjoining buildings, Hodgens said.
Firefighters searching homes were trapped when high winds blew through windows, intensifying the fire and spitting flames towards them, Hodgens said.
Video from a bystander showed heavy, thick flames. black smoke coming out of the house. One of the extensions collapsed as firefighters battled the blaze. The fire was brought under control around 2:46 p.m. The cause is being investigated, Hodgens said.
“With the amount of fire coming in and the wind conditions, it was a tough fire,” Hodgens said. “It was a difficult fire that required us to work very hard.”
The president of the firefighters’ union said the nearest fire station was closed on Friday due to scheduled medical screenings for firefighters, possibly delaying firefighters’ response.
Another engine company was involved in an accident on the way to the scene, Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro said.
“If engine 167 had not been shut down, more firefighters would have arrived more quickly and poured water on the fire much faster, causing less damage and possibly preventing some injury to the firefighters,” said Ansbro.
Alfredo Acosta with an update.