FLORAL PARK, N.Y. — A fire destroyed half a dozen companies on Extended Island immediately after firefighters faced challenges obtaining to the scene and placing the fire out.
Additional than one hundred firefighters have been on the scene in Floral Park as thick smoke coated Jericho Turnpike on an currently foggy day.
“When I came down, the firetrucks just kept coming, and the smoke just began billowing and billowing, and it seemed like just about every time they place the fire out it just blew up once more,” mentioned Suzanne Primm.
Officials mentioned the fire began in the basement of a industrial constructing. At least two companies rented workplace suites down there.
Circumstances have been also harmful for firefighters to remain inside, so they fought the flames and smoke from the street.
“Basement fires are often the most difficult for any fire division. Ordinarily it is 1 way in and 1 way out, which tends to make it pretty harmful,” mentioned Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro.
About 125 firefighters across 17 agencies responded. 1 crew rushing more than crashed into a bridge pillar, injuring two crew members and sending 1 to the hospital with minor injuries.
At the scene, 3 firefighters suffered minor injuries due to exhaustion. No 1 else was hurt.
“This is a new business enterprise. I invest in every thing new,” mentioned Boris Rosiyev, who owns Ben’s Shoe Repair.
The fire is a tremendous blow to business enterprise owners like Rosiyev, who opened his shop late in 2021 immediately after operating in Queens for 20 years. That element of the constructing is now gutted.
Apartments are attached subsequent door, but the fire did not spread beyond the basement.
“Almost everything is in there. My workplace stuff, paperwork, my laptop or computer and my cellphone,” mentioned Ravinder Kumar, who operates at BRS Express.
“My auto keys and my telephone, and I left. What can I grab in two minutes?” mentioned Primm.
The Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad and fire marshal are investigating. It will be some time just before officials can decide whether or not or not the constructing is a total loss.
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