By Michael V. Cusenza
Six firefighters were injured on Monday night in a fast moving four-alarm blaze that caused devastating smoke, fire, and water damage to several small businesses on Dry Harbor Road in Middle Village.
The City Department of Buildings issued full vacate orders for multiple structures.
Photo Courtesy of Councilman Holden
Nearly 200 firefighters responded to Monday night’s fire.
“Heartbreaking news from Dry Harbor Road, right across from our old office. A massive multi-alarm fire ripped through several beloved neighborhood stores we knew well and frequented often,” said City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth).
Flames moved quickly on the scorching-hot summer night via the businesses’ shared cockloft. A cockloft is described as a horizontal void between a building’s uppermost ceiling and its roof, with no habitable or accessible space. It may create a large space over multiple occupancies or adjoining buildings.
Photo Courtesy of Councilman Holden
Several businesses suffered significant structural damage.
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Tuesday said the blaze “highlights the need for the Residential Structure Fire Prevention Act to be passed, a bill that I am advocating for with Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven). The bill aims to encourage homeowners to fix cockloft fire hazards by offering tax credits, to encourage safety through insurance discounts for installing smoke detection alarm systems in cocklofts, and to make sure that repairs for fire prevention in cocklofts are eligible for state housing program funding.”
The senator praised the response of the FDNY.
“The immediate and brave actions of emergency responders stopped additional destruction while safeguarding numerous residents and business owners who live in Middle Village.
“The dedication and professionalism exhibited by our firefighters, EMS personnel, and all first responders during this challenging incident are truly commendable. I am relieved to hear that only minor injuries were sustained and that everyone is expected to recover. Their commitment to safeguarding our community is nothing short of heroic.”
The first iteration of Addabbo’s bill actually passed the State Senate in 2017.
