Massive New York City Fire That Displaced Hundreds Was Caused by Someone Using a Blowtorch to Remove Paint

A five-alarm fire in New York City that injured 14 people and temporarily displaced more than 400 residents was started by a construction worker using a block torch to remove paint.

The massive blaze in Sunnyside, Queens broke out on the top floor of the six-story building around noon Wednesday, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

"A contractor was using a torch to heat lead paint off a metal closet door frame in the vacant apartment," the FDNY said on X. "The worker noticed smoke coming from the door frame.”

The worker at 43-09 47th Ave. tried to extinguish the flames and the FDNY reported to the scene. The worker showed the charred wooden studs to the FDNY captain, who realized that the fire had spread inside the walls, ordering the worker to evacuate. The captain then realized that the fire had spread to the roof.

More than 130 firefighters responded to the fire, and one was injured.

“We did have a firefighter who was transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition,” an FDNY spokesperson said, WCBS reported.

A few of the residents of the building were taken to the hospital for minor injuries, the fire department said.

Around 450 residents were displaced and the Red Cross responded to help displaced residents.