December 3, 2025 RICHMOND HILL, Queens – A catastrophic overnight fire tore through a block of Queens row houses on Monday night, leaving a scene of devastation, injuring three people, and tragically displacing multiple families just as the holiday season begins.

The call came in just before 11 p.m. on 108th Street, and the situation quickly escalated to a four-alarm blaze, requiring a massive response. More than 200 FDNY firefighters rushed to the scene to confront flames that were spreading with terrifying speed.

From Cellar to Roof: How the Fire Consumed Four Homes

According to fire officials, the inferno originated in one home, starting in the cellar, first, and second floors simultaneously. The nature of the attached row house structure allowed the flames to jump rapidly, quickly consuming all four adjacent residences.

The power of the fire was evident in the structural damage: at least one of the homes partially collapsed, and all four structures suffered severe damage, leaving them uninhabitable.

The Human Toll: Injuries and Community Heartbreak

While the damage is immense, the city can be thankful the injuries were minor. One resident and two firefighters were treated for minor injuries, a testament to the swift action of the emergency crews who put their lives on the line.

However, the fire's most painful impact is the displacement of the residents. Seventeen adults and two children have been left without a home in the immediate aftermath. The Red Cross has stepped in to provide urgent assistance to the impacted families.

The neighborhood's deep sense of loss was articulated by resident Rowina Singh, who noted, "It's sad at this time of the year for those people because we are all like a family around here."