Ozone Park Fire Injures 2, Damages Restaurant and Apartments on Liberty Avenue

OZONE PARK, Queens, NY – A devastating fire erupted late Wednesday evening on Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park, resulting in injuries to two individuals and causing significant damage to a multi-unit building. The blaze, which reportedly originated in "Mike's Restaurant" on the ground floor, quickly spread to the residential apartments above, prompting a large response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 11:00 PM to reports of a fire at 103-01 Liberty Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames engulfing the commercial establishment and extending upwards. Two civilians, whose identities have not yet been released, were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries, including smoke inhalation. Their conditions are reported as stable.

Emergency Response and Containment Efforts

The FDNY dispatched over 100 firefighters and numerous units to the scene. Their rapid and coordinated efforts were crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings in the densely populated commercial and residential corridor. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the stubborn blaze under control, facing challenges due to the building's structure and the extensive fire load within the restaurant.

"Our crews arrived to a well-involved fire that required immediate and aggressive interior attacks," stated an FDNY spokesperson on Thursday morning. "The priority was to ensure all occupants were safely evacuated and to contain the fire as quickly as possible. We are thankful that the injuries sustained were not life-threatening."

Community Impact and Investigation Status

The fire has left several residents displaced, as the upper-floor apartments sustained severe damage from flames, smoke, and water. The Red Cross has been notified and is providing assistance to those affected, securing temporary housing and essential supplies. "Mike's Restaurant," a long-standing establishment in the community, is reportedly a total loss, impacting local employment and a beloved neighborhood fixture.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by FDNY fire marshals. Officials have urged vigilance and adherence to fire safety protocols, especially in mixed-use buildings that combine commercial and residential spaces. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of working smoke detectors, clear exit paths, and regular safety inspections in the bustling Ozone Park area, which borders the northern stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard.

Key Points:

• Two individuals injured in a late-night fire on Liberty Avenue, Ozone Park.
• Blaze originated in "Mike's Restaurant" and spread to apartments above.
• Over 100 FDNY personnel responded, successfully containing the fire.
• Displaced residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
• Cause of fire is under investigation; significant property damage reported.
• Incident highlights critical fire safety needs in dense Queens neighborhoods.