You are reading

FDNY battles three-alarm warehouse fire in Astoria beneath N/W subway line on 31st Street

Firefighters cut holes in the roof of a warehouse alongside the Astoria N/W subway line during a three-alarm blaze that broke out Wednesday morning. (Photo by Lloyd Mitchell)

March 29, 2023 By Bill Parry

Several firefighters were injured while battling a three-alarm fire in a one-story commercial building in Astoria on Wednesday morning, according to the FDNY.

One firefighter was seriously injured and another five firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the fire that tore through the Lion-Aire warehouse at 34-38 31st St., beneath the N/W Astoria subway line, just after 10 a.m. on March 29.

(Photo by Lloyd Mitchell)

Service on the Astoria line was not affected by the blaze, according to an MTA spokesman.

The FDNY response brought 138 firefighters to the scene, with 33 units and 50 EMS personnel responding from surrounding stations, according to the FDNY. The fire was placed under control just after noon, but operations continued into the afternoon.

“We arrived at 10:15 and firefighting units encountered heavy fire. It’s going to be extended operation due to the amount of stock that is in this warehouse,” FDNY Chief Chuck Downey said. “The warehouse is stacked from floor to ceiling with portable air conditioning units. So we [are continuing] to put pockets of fire out at this time.”

(Photo by Lloyd Mitchell)

He added that the amount of stack in the warehouse made it difficult to gain entry.

“Most commercial structures such as this that we’re working on are one-story structures that have a lot of stock that create narrow aisle space,” Downey said.

One civilian suffered minor injuries as a result of the fire, according to FDNY.

EMS transported two of the injured to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital in Astoria and one to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the FDNY.

Additional reporting by Lloyd Mitchell.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Cool spots to stay productive: Remote work-friendly spaces in Queens

Jun. 23, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With a sweltering heatwave gripping Queens this week, working from home might be just a little too stifling. Fortunately, the borough is filled with welcoming spaces that make remote work both productive and refreshing. Whether you’re looking to cut down on your AC use, need stronger Wi-Fi, or simply crave a change of scenery, these spots offer great vibes, cool air and quality coffee (or tea) to keep you going.

Unlicensed but essential: Street vendors seek reform amid enforcement fears

Jun. 23, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

Many street vendors in New York City face significant challenges from the moment they set up their stands, striving to make an honest living. With more than 20,000 food vendors operating across the five boroughs, an estimated 75% do so without a license or permit, due in large part to the city’s decades-old cap on available permits.

Hate Crimes Task Force investigating bomb threats against Mamdani: NYPD

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force launched a probe into multiple death threats made against Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani after his district office at 24-08 32nd St. in Astoria received four expletive-filled phone voicemails, on various dates, making threatening anti-Muslim statements by an unknown individual, including a threat to blow up his car.

The calls were made from an untraceable number and labeled the mayoral candidate a “terrorist who is not welcome in New York or America” in a message phoned in on Wednesday morning.