QUEENS, N.Y. — A Queens neighborhood was left reeling Friday after a five-alarm fire tore through an indoor mall Thursday morning, destroying more than 30 business kiosks.
According to the FDNY, crews responded to the fire just after 6 a.m. Thursday inside a commercial building located at 40-10 Main St. in Flushing.
As nearly 200 firefighters worked to contain the flames, FDNY Acting Chief of Operations Richard Blatus provided an update in which he described the fire as “stubborn” and said it would be an “extended operation” to get it under control.
Hours after the fire began, the roof of the building collapsed and several neighboring structures sustained some damage.
Residents in the area said they were heartbroken to see the destruction.
“It's devastating,” said Silvia Ren, the cousin of one store owner. “I’m pretty sure a lot of people are out of their jobs.”
Ren noted that her cousin is distraught over the loss of her business.
“She’s been here for 15 years and every single thing in her inventory, everything has been burned down and she doesn't really know how to feel right now – really empty and lost,” said Ren.
As the fire burned, thick smoke was seen billowing into the sky. It also filled a nearby subway station, halting 7 train service during the morning commute.
While officials said the blaze was brought under control just before noon Thursday, several agencies were still on the scene early Friday morning as a precaution.
Authorities said no civilians were hurt but three firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.