QUEENS, NY - The FDNY responded to a reported fire at 107-55 130th Street in Queens just before 3:00 a.m. on April 30th. When crews arrived, they found a private residence that was heavily involved in the fire.

Heavy fire conditions precluded personnel from accessing the building or performing searches, according to officials, so firefighters quickly ran hoselines and sought to safeguard nearby structures. According to FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito, the incident necessitated prolonged firefighting efforts throughout the day and was a very dangerous operation.

An explosion connected to the fire caused minor injuries to a number of New York City Police Department officers who were responding to the site. The five-alarm incident prompted the response of almost 300 fire and emergency medical personnel.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.