A quiet Queens neighborhood was shaken on Sunday afternoon when a devastating fire engulfed a two-story home, claiming the life of 62-year-old Calvin White, a retired laborer recently diagnosed with cancer. The blaze, which erupted around 3:30 p.m., left family and neighbors in shock as firefighters worked to contain the roaring flames.
A Desperate Scene
The fire broke out at White’s home in Queens Village, located between Springfield Boulevard and 221st Street. Firefighters arrived swiftly after receiving a 911 call, but the intensity of the flames made rescue efforts impossible.
FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Trahan described the tragic circumstances at the scene:
“We found one victim in the rear of the second floor, a fatality. He was in his bedroom at the time, and there was heavy fire. Unfortunately, he had no chance of escaping.”
No one else was home during the fire. Trahan added that White had recently returned from a hospital stay, though details about his health condition at the time were not clear.
A Family’s Heartbreak
White’s cousin, Thomas “Bubba” Harrison, 44, recounted the devastating moment he learned of the tragedy. Harrison had been on his way to check on White when he received a call from a neighbor alerting him to the fire.
“When I got there, I asked the firefighters if there was anyone inside,” Harrison said. “When they said ‘yes,’ it felt like my stomach just dropped. Anybody who has suffered a loss knows the weight of that grief. It’s a cross we have to bear, and it’s devastating.”
Harrison described White as a beloved family member who had worked hard throughout his life and was battling cancer with courage.
Containing the Blaze
Firefighters battled the intense flames for nearly an hour, finally bringing the fire under control at 4:30 p.m. The two-story private dwelling suffered significant damage, with much of the fire concentrated on the upper floors.
Fire marshals are now investigating the cause of the fire, which may have originated in the attic. The exact cause and circumstances remain under review.
Community in Mourning
Neighbors expressed their sorrow over the tragedy, remembering White as a kind and hardworking individual who was part of the fabric of their community. The loss has left a deep void, not only for his family but also for those who knew him.
As investigators continue to determine what caused the blaze, family and friends are left mourning the untimely loss of a man who had already been battling life’s hardships.
This tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of fire safety in every home.
