by Robert Pozarycki
Four firefighters suffered burns after becoming trapped inside the basement of a Elmhurst house while battling a two-alarm fire last Friday afternoon, Jan. 25, it was reported.
The injured first responders, who Fire Department sources said are members of Engine Company 287, were hospitalized for treatment of burns that were not considered life-threatening.
After putting out the fire, it was reported, a resident of the home-identified as 54-year-old Zbigniew Wikiert of Gorsline Street-was taken into custody after a number of firearms and marijuana were discovered inside the structure.
Fire Department sources said the blaze occurred at around 12 p.m. at the one-story house on Gorsline Street near 51st Avenue. Reportedly, the flames originated in the basement and spread to the upper floor.
Members of Engine Company 287 were among the first units to respond to the scene, a Fire Department spokesperson said. Upon arrival, they reportedly observed heavy smoke and fire emanating from the cellar.
While attempting to extinguish the fire in the basement, FDNY sources said, several firefighters from Engine 287 became trapped in the basement for a brief period. They were reportedly pulled from the structure by other members on the scene.
Among the other FDNY units who took part in the operation were Engine companies 263, 286, 289, 291, 292, 307, 316 and 319; Ladder companies 117, 126, 135, 136, 138, 154 and 163; Squad companies 270 and 288; Rescue 4; Satellite 4 with Engine Company 324; Field Communications Unit 1; Rescue Battalion, Safety Battalion and Battalions 28, 37, 45 and 46 under the direction of Division 14.
Members of the 110th Precinct and emergency medical technicians also responded to the scene.
One of the firefighters from Engine 287 suffered third-degree burns to his hands, while three others suffered various first- and second-degree burns after being trapped inside the structure, the FDNY spokesperson said.
Each of the injured firefighters were transferred by emergency medical technicians to the Weill Cornell Burn Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.
It was noted that one civilian was also hospitalized for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Using four hose lines, the FDNY spokesperson said, the fire was brought under control at around 1 p.m.
During a search of the building after the blaze was contained, it was noted, FDNY investigators reportedly discovered several handguns, containers of marijuana and a pair of black handcuffs inside a rear bedroom of the location.
Wikiert was arrested later that day and charged with counts of criminal possession of a weapon, unauthorized possession of handcuffs and unlawful possession of marijuana.
A spokesperson for Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said that the suspect was arraigned on Sunday, Jan. 27 in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Gene Lopez, who was released on his own recognizance. Wikiert is scheduled to return to court on Mar. 5.
The cause of the blaze was labeled suspicious and remains under investigation, it was noted.
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