9-18-97 Astoria Steinway Street 7 Alarm

Remember Kaybee Toy Stores? On September 18, 1997, Box 7474 was transmitted for a fire in a toy store located at 30-91 Steinway Street at 30th Avenue, in the Astoria section of Queens. Due to numerous calls, 3 engines and two trucks and Rescue 4 were dispatched to the Reported Fire. The First due Engine Company gave a 10-75, for a Fire in a Kaybee Toy store on the first floor of a 3 story attached frame building. The attached 3 story buildings had commercial stores on the first floor some had storage on the second Floor, also there were residential apartments above the stores. The fire quickly extended to the upper floors of the toy store and extended into exposure 2 and 4. Second and Third alarms were quickly transmitted as the fire threatened the whole block of attached frames. It took me about 15 minutes to get to the scene. Units were inside Kaybee's with handlines, advancing on the quickly growing fire. Other truck companies were making entry into the exposures. 2 Tower ladders were being set up in front of the fire buildings. Fourth and Fifth alarms were transmitted as the fire spread into exposures 2, 2a. 2b and 2c and exposures 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c. Fire was through the roof. Numerous handlines were stretched into the exposures. Tower Ladders were in operation. It was going to be a large and time consuming operation. Seven Alarms were transmitted and operated at the scene bringing the fire under control.