NEW YORK- More than 100 firefighters were dispatched to a hospital in Queens, where a fierce fire drowned out the blue sky with thick black smoke.
The first fire crews rushed to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway shortly after 5 p.m. for reports of a roof fire, according to an FDNY spokesperson. Flames could be seen shooting into the air for several hours.
Videos and images of the burning buildings quickly appeared on social media as the top of the hospital caught fire. Firefighters had to evacuate the entire 11th floor of the hospital, taking dozens of patients and staff to the parking lot. Most of the other patients and staff were able to shelter in place, while those in the emergency department were evacuated.
Authorities said all emergency calls should be diverted to other hospitals, some more than 45 minutes away.
Investigators believe the blaze started on the roof, where Deputy Deputy Chief Fred Schaaf said work was in progress. However, he would not say if the work was related to the fire and the exact cause was not yet clear.
Crews said only one firefighter suffered minor injuries, but given the proximity of the 9/11 anniversary, the chaotic scene worried an already nervous community.
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