An open flame from a torch started a four-alarm fire Monday afternoon at a six-story building on Franklin Avenue near 134th Street in Flushing, the FDNY said.
Firefighters received a report just before 2:00 p.m. Monday of smoke pouring from Franklin Ave. 134-30 rise. According to the FDNY press office, the fire spread through the space between the top floor and the roof of the building, commonly known as the cockloft.
For years, state senator Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) has pushed legislation to give building owners a tax credit for locking down cocklofts that, like Monday’s fire, often result in flames spreading throughout the building .
Although 40 units with 180 firefighters were able to get the fire under control by 3:35 p.m., the damage was already done. Not only did four firefighters make trips to the hospital, but Department of Buildings inspectors found extensive fire and water damage at both 134-30 and neighboring 134-34 Franklin Ave. They issued partial eviction orders for both, displacing 45 people for 19 families, Councilor Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) tweeted Monday.
Inspectors also found plumbers using a flashlight in Apartment 5H, according to DOB. While the FDNY — when announcing the official cause of the fire Tuesday afternoon — said the work was legal, the DOB said it wasn’t allowed and issued a complete halt to work on the unit.
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