October 23, 2025 SOUTH OZONE PARK, Queens — A devastating early-morning fire ripped through two homes in the heart of South Ozone Park on Wednesday, with fire investigators quickly pinpointing the cause: illegal Diwali fireworks.
At approximately 2:20 a.m., flames erupted in a residence on Lincoln Street, rapidly consuming the structure before spreading to a neighboring house. Though all occupants managed to escape, two individuals required treatment for minor injuries.
The catastrophic blaze was officially attributed to fireworks by FDNY officials, a stark reminder of the city's strict prohibition on private fireworks use. While the fire was being battled, boxes of spent fireworks were reportedly discovered on the property of a nearby, undamaged corner house.
Eyewitness accounts provided a grim backdrop to the incident. Resident Juanita Cologne, who fled her home with her husband and a 3-year-old child, alleged that the illegal pyrotechnics had been a known issue in the neighborhood, despite multiple police interventions.
"Right in front of them they were throwing the firecrackers and they didn't do anything," Cologne stated, expressing outrage toward those she holds responsible and questioning the enforcement of existing laws. She added, "They don't have compassion or respect for anybody."
The incident comes as authorities across the region grapple with the fallout from illegal celebratory fireworks. In Edison, New Jersey, officials reported a staggering 40 fire-related calls during the same period. The severity of the situation prompted the Mayor and Fire Chief of Edison to issue a public video warning, underscoring that bottle rockets, fire crackers, Roman candles, and all aerial fireworks are illegal and prohibited.
