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Massive seven-alarm blaze in Queens injures seven firefighters

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A six-alarm fire tore through a row of commercial buildings at 137-15 37th Ave. in Flushing, Queens on Jan. 9, 2021.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Firefighters labored for nearly nine hours to extinguish a seven-alarm fire that began late Friday night in a Flushing storefront and extended into an adjacent building, according to the FDNY.

After receiving a call just before midnight on Jan. 8 regarding the blaze at a three-story building located at 136-15 37th Ave., approximately 50 units and 200 FDNY personnel responded to the scene to fight the fire.

Firefighters take a rest after operating at a six alarm at 136-17 37 Avenue. (Photo by Lloyd Mitchell)
A firefighter works to pull ceilings at the scene of a four alarm fire at 137-15 37 Avenue. (Photo by Lloyd Mitchell)

Fire Department sources said the fire originated in the three-story building before extending to an adjacent structure.

The blaze was first classified as a two-alarm fire at 12:11 a.m. on Jan. 9, before slowly progressing to a seven-alarm classification by 5:19 a.m.

Seven firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the inferno and have been transported to local hospitals.

While a collapse zone has been established, units were still operating at the scene at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, according to the FDNY.

The fire was brought under control at about 8:51 a.m. on Jan. 9. Fire marshals are investigating its cause.