Full Breakdown
Five-Alarm Fire in Queens Leaves Firefighters Injured and Families Displaced
1/7/2026, 1:21:00 PM
Overview of the Incident
A significant five-alarm fire erupted early Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, at approximately 3:25 a.m. in a three-story residential building located on Madison Street near Onderdonk Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. The blaze began on the first floor and rapidly escalated, ultimately affecting four buildings and displacing nearly 30 families. Firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) faced challenging conditions as the fire spread through the building, causing the roof to collapse.
Injuries and Emergency Response
During the firefighting efforts, six individuals were reported injured, including five firefighters. One firefighter sustained serious injuries when a window air conditioning unit fell from the building and struck him on the head. He was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover. The other firefighters suffered minor injuries, and one civilian was also hospitalized with a minor injury. A total of 84 FDNY units, comprising approximately 270 firefighters and emergency medical personnel, responded to the scene.
Displacement and Community Impact
The fire has left about 30 families homeless, prompting the city to establish an immediate response center at P.S. 239 to provide shelter, clothing, and support for those affected. Landlord Eduard Skiber, who has lived in the building since 1959, expressed his devastation, stating, “I’ve been living here since 1959... That’s all I got.” Resident Noemi Bargas, who was away during the fire, shared her shock upon seeing the destruction of her home, saying, “I was still hoping, ‘It’s not going to spread.’ But look, everything is gone.”
Official Statements and Responses
Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who visited the scene, highlighted the effective response of first responders, noting, “Two five-alarm fires without a loss of life is a testament and a credit to the incredible work of the first responders that we have here in this city.” He emphasized the importance of community safety measures, including the need for functional smoke detectors in residential buildings. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Context of Recent Fires
This incident marks the second five-alarm fire in New York City within just two days, following a similar event in the Bronx. Mayor Mamdani pointed out that the city is already experiencing a notably active fire season, raising concerns about fire safety and prevention measures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While reports consistently indicate that six individuals were injured, there are discrepancies regarding the severity of injuries among the firefighters. Some sources mention that two firefighters suffered serious injuries, while others classify all firefighter injuries as minor except for the one struck by the air conditioning unit. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined as investigations are ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We did have several minor injuries to firefighters, including one firefighter that was struck in the head with an air conditioner that fell out the window.” — John Esposito, FDNY Chief of Department
- “This is material things that can be replaced. Not the memories, not the place. But I trust God.” — Noemi Bargas, Resident
- “I’ve been living here since 1959,” — Eduard Skiber, Landlord
- “Newly minted Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who responded to both scenes, told reporters that “two five-alarm fires without a loss of life is a testament and a credit to the incredible work of the first responders that we have here in this city.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
