Massive fire in Queens impacts over 30 small businesses

Over 35 fire units and 200 firefighters responded to the scene. Three hours later, the five-alarm blaze was still ongoing

By Katarina Hall

March 17, 2022 5:31pm

Updated: March 18, 2022 1:36pm

A five-alarm fire at a mall in Flushing, Queens on Thursday damaged over 30 small businesses.

The fire erupted on Main Street in a building at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday and rapidly spread throughout the neighborhood. The building housed more than 30 kiosks owned by small businesses.

FDNY members are currently a 4-alarm at 40-10 Main Street in Queens. pic.twitter.com/oUzquMcxWP
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 17, 2022

The building collapsed two hours later. Two neighboring buildings also sustained severe damage.

Over 35 fire units and 200 firefighters responded to the scene. Three hours later, the five-alarm blaze was still ongoing.

"We will be here for most of the day, if not into the night," said FDNY Acting Chief of Operations Richard Blatus. "Once the fire is completely extinguished, we will have (Department of Buildings) evaluate the structure and see what kind of searches we can undertake."

Three firefighters had minor injuries, a New York City Emergency Management officer said.

People nearby should expect smoke throughout the evening and traffic delays in the area. The number 7 train also halted service and was evacuated.

.@FDNY Five Alarm Fire: Main Street & 40th Road, Queens. Expect smoke & traffic delays in area. People nearby avoid smoke, close windows. Multilingual & ASL Link: https://t.co/PosXqPHI8X. #Fire https://t.co/6PAJWelHPM
— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) March 17, 2022