Fire in Queens Destroys 50 Homes

Ferry used to get residents to safety

A fire that broke out in Queens around 11 p.m. during the pounding rains and rising floodwaters of Hurricane Sandy ultimately destroyed 50 homes as nearly 200 fire fighters waded through submerged streets to rescue trapped New Yorkers.

Video from the scene shows first responders in water up to their shins as homes burned all around them. Firefighters who spoke to The Associated Press said they ultimately used a small boat to ferry 25 people away from burning buildings in the borough's Breezy Point beachfront neighborhood.