FDNY officials say that a discarded cigarette is what sparked a fire that led to an explosion that sent seven firefighters to the hospital Wednesday night.
Firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle fire near 1000 Fox Street about 7:30 p.m. and found a pile of trash and two vehicles on fire.
A large explosion occured, injuring seven firefighters.
"The cigarette set some nearby garbage on fire. The fire then spread to a vehicle parked close by, igniting its gas tank, and causing a major explosion," FDNY Chief of Department Joseph Esposito said.
The firefighters were taken to Jacobi Medical Center with varying injuries.
"Five firefighters were treated for serious burns to their arms and face," said Esposito. "We are thankful that all of these injuries are non-life threatening and that our members are expected to make a full recovery.
The department used this incident as a reminder to use proper extinguishing techniques with cigarettes.
"If you are smoking, don't flick your cigarette butts," he said.
