Queens

2 Fires Rage in Queens Homes Overnight, Injuring Firefighters and Civilians

Two fires raged in Queens overnight, both injuring several firefighters and some civilians, officials say.

In Jackson Heights, two 9-year-old cousins were trapped inside their home on 71st Street near 31st Avenue when a fire broke out on the second floor, believed to have started from a candle in a shrine inside a closet, according to officials. 

Firefighters rushed in to save the girls, and relatives said "they are doing fine, they are stable." 

"Our hearts go out to the families because it was a tough night," said FDNY Lt. Kevin O'Hare. 

Four other firefighters suffered minor injuries. 

In Elmhurst, a call came in just after 5 a.m. for a fire on Case Street off of Elmhurst Avenue. More than 100 firefighters responded, and seven firefighters and a civilian -- a man -- were hurt in the fire. 

Chopper 4 showed firefighters scramble on rooftops as furious flames raged in the early morning sky. A cause of the fire is under investigation. 

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