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FDNY investigating fire that tore through vacant home in South Richmond Hill

May. 26, 2023 By Zachary Gewelb and Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY responded to a call regarding the blaze at 94-54 Lefferts Blvd. at approximately 5:15 p.m. with 12 units consisting of 60 firefighters. However, the units were quickly withdrawn from the building, which was deemed unsafe for firefighting operations due to numerous holes throughout the floor, according to reports from the scene.

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Firefighters then used two tower ladders and three hose lines to knock down the main body of the fire and strip the roof off the dilapidated building, according to reports from the scene.

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Once the fire was knocked down at approximately 6:53 p.m., units quickly searched the building for squatters at the location. The search yielded negative results.

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Operations are still ongoing due to structural instability, according to FDNY. The city’s Department of Buildings has been notified.

The fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The FDNY is investigating a fire that tore through a vacant two-and-a-half-story wood frame dwelling in South Richmond Hill on May 25.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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