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5 Alarm Fire Rips Through Queens Building

Monday, Dec 27, 2010 | Updated 9:46 PM EDT

A five alarm fire broke tore through an apartment building in Queens Monday evening, as the city struggled to dig itself out from 20 inches of snow that crippled roads and trapped cars on streets.

The blaze broke out around 6:30 p.m. on the top floor of a six story building on Judge Street in Elmhurst, fire officials said. About 200 firefighters responded to the blaze which was brought under control around 9:30 p.m.

Firefighters had difficulty reaching the fire because of abandoned cars, uncleared roadways and wind, officials said.

The Red Cross also headed to the scene to assess how many people will need shelter.

Four firefighters and one civilian suffered minor injuries, officials said.