More than 100 firefighters were sent to a Queens hospital, where a fire filled the clear blue sky with thick black smoke.
The first teams of firefighters went to the Episcopal Hospital of St. John at Far Rockaway shortly after 5 p.m. to report a roof fire, according to an FDNY spokesman. Flames could be seen firing into the air for several hours.
Video and images of the buildings quickly burned on social media as the top of the hospital burned. Firefighters had to evacuate the entire 11th floor of the hospital, bringing dozens of patients and staff to the parking lot. Most of the other patients and staff were able to take refuge in their place, while those in the emergency department were evacuated.
News 4 Black smoke fills the sky over Queens seen from JFK Airport.
Officials said all emergency calls should be diverted to other hospitals, about 45 minutes away.
Investigators believe the fire started on the roof, where deputy director Fred Schaaf said work was underway. I didn’t want to say if the play was connected to the fire, though, and the exact cause was still unclear.
The crew said only one firefighter suffered minor injuries, but given the proximity to the 9/11 anniversary, the chaotic scene worried a community that was already nearby.