The City of New York Fire Department responded to a reported fire at a two-and-a-half-story private residence on Queens' 93rd Street just before three o'clock on May 3.

Arriving personnel found two homes that were significantly burned in the fire, according to officials, and promptly sent out a second alarm. As the wind-driven fire quickly spread throughout the buildings, firefighters deployed hoselines and performed searches, according to FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito. A number of firefighters were stuck above the fire during operations due to deteriorating fire conditions.

While other firefighters used portable ladders to flee the second story, one firefighter used an emergency escape rope from the Personal Safety System. According to FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, the incident was a dangerous and quickly evolving situation that required firemen to take immediate action in order to preserve themselves.

Twelve firefighters and two civilians were among the 14 injuries that were documented. Before the fire was contained at 5:15 p.m., it had escalated to a fourth-alarm response involving around 230 fire and emergency medical personnel. The cause is still being looked into.