QUEENS, NY - A collapse and an electrical service line falling on a rig both posed problems at a Queens multiple-alarm fire that gutted a taxpayer and injured several firefighters on April 3rd.

Engine 304 was first due to 111-50 Springfield Blvd. at 2:23 A.M. A “10-75” was transmitted for a fire in a taxpayer consisting of four businesses. Within two minutes an “all hands” with an extra 1 and 1, followed by a second-alarm was transmitted.

Trucks went to the roof to open up as lines were stretched. Members were stretching a line to the rear when a section of the roof collapsed, trapping two members beneath a 20’X20’ section of the roof with flames nearby. A “Mayday” was called and companies along with the FAST team worked to locate and remove the trapped members. A third-alarm was called. Both firefighters were reported to have received serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to the hospital.

All members were withdrawn and operations went defensive. Five Tower Ladders were put into operation along with several handlines and multiversals. At one point the electrical service line arced and fell on to Tower Ladder 127. Members in the bucket were removed until the power could be secured. A collapse zone was established as flames consumed the businesses.

Minor injuries to one additional member was reported. There was no extension to any exposures. A fourth-alarm was sounded for relief purposes. The fire was placed “probably will hold” at 5:00 A.M.