Dozen firefighters, cops injured during 5-alarm fire in Elmhurst apartment building that displaced nearly 50 households: FDNY

The FDNY received a 911 call just after 1:30 p.m. reporting a fire at 41-40 Denman St. Units arrived on the scene in around three minutes and found fire on the fourth floor of the Denham Gardens apartments, a seven-story, non-fireproof multi dwelling building.

“The fire traveled unimpeded through a void space into the top floor and into a cockloft space,” FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said. “Our engine companies moved in with eight handlines — it was a very labor-intensive fire. It was very warm out.”

A fifth alarm was transmitted bringing a total of 84 units with 270 firefighters and EMS personnel to Denman Street between Whitney Avenue and Lamont Avenue. The fire was placed under control just after 2 p.m.

Eight firefighters were transported by EMS to area hospitals. Two uniformed police officers from the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst sustained minor injuries, with one transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition, according to an NYPD spokesman. EMS treated one civilian, one firefighter, one EMS member and a third police officer on scene who refused transport to the hospital, according to the FDNY.

There have been no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing. FDNY fire marshals are working to determine the cause of the blaze.

Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings were called to the scene for a structural stability inspection following the fire and found extensive fire damage including open sections of roof. DOB issued a partial vacate order for multiple apartment units that sustained severe fire damage.

The American Red Cross registered 49 households including 124 adults and 19 children for emergency assistance. The agency’s Disaster Action Team connected with residents to ensure people impacted by the 5-alarm fire have a safe place to stay and to provide other short-term recovery support, and the Red Cross casework team will meet with the displaced residents of Denman Gardens in the coming days to help identify recovery roadblocks and connect them with partners to help with longer-term recovery needs. Any residents of Denman Gardens impacted by the fire who need help with their recovery and have not already connected with the Red Cross should call 877-Red Cross (877-733-2767) and select Option 1.