|
|
 |
 |
by DOUG AUER
Heavy smoke proved problematic for firefighters yesterday as they battled a hazy blaze inside the closed Bowling on the Green bowling alley in New Dorp.
Five firefighters suffered minor injuries as they fought the smoky fire, and were taken to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.
"[The fire] started about 30 feet in from the entrance" off Mill Road, according to Deputy Chief Ted Goldfarb of Division 8.
The all-hands fire is classified as suspicious at this time, Goldfarb added, and fire marshals will investigate.
No one was inside at the time of the fire, the cause of which is unknown at this time, an FDNY spokesman said.
Real estate sources previously told the Advance the closed bowling alley is expected to be bought by developers, who intend to demolish it and build houses in its place.
Shortly after the fire broke out at 5:46 p.m., smoke built up inside the closed bowling alley, a large structure measuring 100 by 300 feet and tightly sealed, an FDNY spokesman said.
Units arrived within 10 minutes and the blaze was reported as all-hands.
Some firefighters climbed ladders to gain access to the roof, where they used metal-cutting saws to create three large ventilation holes, Goldfarb said.
Others made their way inside to extinguish the flames, only to emerge minutes later covered in soot.
"It was black in there," said one.
A few firefighters were seen breaking windows and opening the facility's doors to allow smoke to escape.
"It's a large-area building with a heavy smoke condition," Goldfarb said, adding that the day's humid air quality contributed to the smoke's thickness. The fire was restricted to the floor level, he added.
The fire was brought under control at 6:49 p.m., according to Fire Department press.
Responding units included Engine Cos. 152, 159, 161, 162 and 165; Ladder Cos. 82, 84, 85, 86, 87 and 172; Rescue Co. 5; Division 8; Battalions 23 and 42; HazMat and Fire Patrol.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
