Major Fire Engulfs Ocean Parkway Home

By Y.M. Lowy

You may have noticed the smell of smoke or seen a large plume rising into the sky last evening as a major house fire tore through a home on Ocean Parkway near Church Avenue.

The fire broke out shortly after 6 p.m. at 188 Ocean Parkway. By the time firefighters arrived, flames were burning in the upper portion of the building near the roof, sending heavy smoke into the air and prompting a large FDNY response.

Videos from the scene showed firefighters operating from ladder trucks as thick smoke poured from the top of the structure. The blaze eventually spread to the neighboring building at 184 Ocean Parkway, raising concerns that additional homes could become involved.

Firefighters worked aggressively to contain the fire and were ultimately successful in preventing it from spreading further to other connected structures. Despite the intensity of the blaze, no injuries were reported.

The home where the fire originated sustained extensive damage, with much of the interior destroyed. The neighboring building also suffered some damage as a result of the fire. The Department of Buildings later issued full vacate orders for both properties.

The American Red Cross reported that it registered six households for emergency assistance, including 12 adults and three children, and is providing temporary housing and financial support.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire marshals are working to determine exactly how the blaze started.