NEW YORK — Three New York City firefighters were critically injured Friday in what the commissioner said was a “very close call” when windswept flames ripped through a Staten Island duplex. They are alert and expected to survive, authorities said.
Firefighters rescued a second-story lieutenant after he transmitted an emergency signal during a search for occupants at one of the homes in the borough’s Arden Heights neighborhood, Department Chief John Hodgens said.
One worker involved in the rescue was struck in the head by falling plaster, knocking off his mask and forcing him to breathe thick smoke, Hodgens said.
Another firefighter jumped from a second-story balcony after being trapped by the fire, Hodgens said.
The three firefighters were taken to Staten Island University Hospital, where they are in stable but critical condition.
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh told a hospital news conference that injured firefighters are awake, alert and even joking, but continue to be monitored and treated for a variety of injuries.
“I cannot stress enough that this was a very close decision for the FDNY,” Kavanagh said. “We could have lost three members today.”
Nineteen other firefighters suffered minor injuries, Kavanagh said. No residents were injured.
The fire started around 1:30 p.m. in a space between additions at the rear of each home and quickly spread to attached buildings, Hodgens said.
Firefighters searching the homes were trapped when strong winds blew through the windows, intensifying the fire and spewing flames toward them, Hodgens said.
Video from a bystander showed heavy, thick flames. black smoke coming out of the house. One of the extensions collapsed as firefighters battled the blaze. The fire was under control around 2:46 pm The cause is under investigation, Hodgens said.
“With the amount of fire arriving and the wind conditions, it was a tough fire,” Hodgens said. “It was a difficult fire that forced us to work very hard.”
The fire union president said the nearest fire station was closed Friday due to scheduled medical examinations for firefighters, possibly delaying the fire department’s response.
Another engine company was involved in an accident on the way to the scene, Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro said.
“Had Engine 167 not been shut down, more firefighters would have arrived faster and poured water on the fire much faster, causing less damage and possibly preventing some injuries to firefighters,” Ansbro said.
Alfredo Acosta with an update.