A large factory fire broke out Friday evening in New York City’s Queens borough, sending thick black smoke across the College Point neighborhood and triggering health concerns for nearby residents.
The fire started around 7:30 p.m. at a commercial building on 130th Street between 20th and 22nd avenues. According to officials, the structure housed multiple businesses, including a flower shop and a lumber yard, which may have contributed to the intensity of the blaze.
Emergency crews responded quickly, with hundreds of firefighters working for hours to bring the fire under control. The heavy smoke blanketed the surrounding area, reducing visibility and making breathing difficult for those nearby.
Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and keep windows closed to avoid smoke exposure. Locals described the scene as overwhelming, with one resident saying they had never witnessed a fire of that scale before. Others reported dense smoke filling the air and lingering for hours.
“This is one of the worst fires I’ve ever seen,” another resident shared, noting how long the flames continued to burn.
As of now, no official cause has been determined, and investigators are expected to examine the site once conditions are safe. There have been no confirmed reports of injuries, but officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in mixed-use industrial buildings within densely populated areas.
