The massive fire that ripped through six Queens homes, leaving 36 residents homeless, was sparked by an unattended candle inside a closed “metaphysical” shop known for lighting candles and incense, authorities said Friday.
The flames erupted inside Lemuria Emporium on Jamaica Ave. near 110th St. in Richmond Hill around 1 a.m. Thursday.
The fire quickly climbed up the two-story building into an attic space, then spread to adjoining buildings.
No working fire alarms were in the building where the fire erupted, FDNY Fire Marshals said in a tweet.
More than 200 firefighters were called in to put out the inferno. Six buildings were damaged before the flames were doused by 3:45 a.m., authorities said.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Lemuria Emporium holds Tarot card and palm readings, performs spiritual healing and cleansing rituals, and sells mystical candles, exotic incense and mystical oils, according to the store’s website.
Before the fire, neighbors and tenants had complained about the the smell of lit candles and incense wafting from the store, sources said.
A call and email to Lemuria Emporium for comment was not immediately returned Friday.
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