House fire in Queens caused by Diwali fireworks from neighbor’s celebration.
A residential fire in South Ozone Park, Queens, early Wednesday morning is believed to have been ignited by fireworks set off by a neighbor celebrating Diwali, according to police sources. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. at a home located on Foch Boulevard near 132nd Street, as reported by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
As residents engaged in festivities associated with Diwali, a festival symbolic of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, fireworks were reportedly discharged in the vicinity. This year, Diwali was celebrated in the United States on Monday and Tuesday, prompting many communities to partake in traditional fireworks displays.
Fortunately, three individuals who were asleep inside the burning residence managed to escape as flames engulfed the structure. Emergency medical services transported two of them, who sustained minor injuries, to local hospitals for treatment. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one neighbor, Mohiuddin Saif, recalling that he detected smoke and saw the flames before alerting his family members, leading to a simultaneous evacuation.
The intensity of the fire escalated swiftly, extending to a neighboring property. More than 100 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed to combat the blaze, which was effectively brought under control within approximately one hour. Neighbors reported that the sound of fireworks was heard just moments before the fire ignited, and upon extinguishing the flames, authorities discovered boxes of fireworks at the neighbor’s residence.
As of Wednesday, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no arrests having been made at this time. Fire officials continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has raised concerns about safety during celebratory events involving fireworks.
The occurrence serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with fireworks, particularly during cultural celebrations. Community members are urged to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future. The local community remains on alert as officials assess the broader implications of this incident.
Media News Source.
