Queens Fourth-Alarm Fire Causes Stairwell Collapse as Two Firefighters Issue Mayday and Are Rescued
QUEENS NEW YORK, A major fire response unfolded in Queens after a fourth-alarm structure fire broke out in a multi-story building, prompting a Mayday call from firefighters and a large-scale emergency response.
According to initial reports from the Fire Department of New York, the incident occurred at 44-49 College Point Boulevard, where crews responded to a fire inside a three-story brick commercial structure measuring approximately 75 by 100 feet.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the first and second floors of the building.
During firefighting operations, a collapse of the interior stairwell occurred, trapping two firefighters inside the structure and prompting an immediate Mayday declaration.
Emergency crews quickly began a rescue operation, and both trapped firefighters were successfully located and removed from the building within minutes. Officials confirmed that all firefighters operating at the scene were later accounted for.
Due to the intensity of the fire and the structural hazards, incident commanders escalated the response to a fourth alarm, bringing additional units and specialized teams to the scene.
Emergency medical services reported that one civilian was in cardiac arrest and required immediate medical attention. In total, five civilians were evaluated by EMS, including one classified as a “red tag” patient with critical injuries and four “green tag” patients with minor conditions.
At the height of the operation, five hose lines were deployed as firefighters worked to control the flames and prevent further structural damage.
Officials described the fire conditions as difficult and unstable, with the situation remaining uncertain for some time due to the earlier collapse and ongoing fire activity.
Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding the condition of the rescued firefighters or the injured civilian.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials are expected to provide additional updates as the situation develops.
