Kemberly Richardson reporting live from Sunnyside
Eyewitness News
Thursday, August 04, 2016 09:25AM
SUNNYSIDE, Queens (WABC) -- Firefighters continued to work Thursday at the scene of a five-alarm fire at a woodworking shop in the Sunnyside section of Queens.
The fire broke out in the New York Custom Interior Millwork Corp. on 37th Street just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, fueled by the wood, lacquers, thinners and paint at the business.
A look at the scene Thursday morning:
The fire was under control by Thursday morning. The factory is a series of four buildings interconnected and the fire spread throughout all four buildings.
Four firefighters were treated for minor injuries. The first firefighters who rushed into the business were initially trapped by the flames.
"The first units got trapped by fire behind them. They were able to extricate themselves and get themselves out of the building safely. And that point we decided to go to an exterior attack," FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard said.
He said the shop was closed at the time, and firefighters said there was no one inside.
The heavy flames destroyed the woodworking shop, but firefighters said they were able to save three adjacent business.
Since chemicals were burning inside the shop, Leonard advised, "Close your windows. Just stay away from the products of combustion. We asked that question right away, whats burning. But we hope most of it is just consumed in the fire and goes up into the air. But if anybody has any sort of preexisting medical conditions, anything difficulty breathing, just close your doors, close your windows."
It took four hours for the 250 firefighters to bring the fire under control, but they were expected to be hitting hot spots throughout the night. The cause is under investigation.
Local streets were closed for the fire fight, including westbound Queens Boulevard. Lanes on Queens Boulevard reopened Thursday morning.
The fire is under investigation.