Feb 12, 2009 7:18 pm US/Eastern
5-Alarm Fire Burns 12 Houses In Woodhaven
High Winds Cause Havoc For Firefighters; 4 Injured
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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At least 11 homes were affected by a five-alarm fire that burned in the Woodhaven section of Queens on Feb., 12, 2009.
CBS
A fast-moving inferno engulfed a dozen homes in Queens on Thursday as strong winds spun the violent flames in every direction.
A combination of high winds and raging fire destroyed 11 homes in the Woodhaven neighborhood, and damaged a 12th.
The blaze broke out around 12:30 on Thursday afternoon at a residential complex at 91st Avenue and 96th Street. Officials believe the fire started in one home before spreading to other residences, perhaps due to the wind.
Firefighters, 200 strong and with 44 trucks, got to the scene within four minutes. Chief of Department Sal Cassano said wind made fighting the blaze difficult. It made the fire spread from house to house and it made it difficult for firefighters to determine where the fire started.
A retired NYPD officer named "Mike" told his crying wife how he tried to save their dog, but couldn't get the cats.
There were only four minor injuries, including two firefighters. Fire marshals are trying to determine what caused the fire. The Red Cross is finding shelter for the people who lost their homes.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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