An 89-year-old man who had just beaten cancer died as a fire raged through his Queens home, the FDNY said Friday.
Firefighters had to battle through “hoarder conditions” as they fought the fire that erupted inside a second-floor apartment on 194th St. near Hollis Court Blvd. in Auburndale just before 8 p.m. Thursday, a source with knowledge of the incident said.
Victim Robert Germain was found unconscious in a bedroom in the apartment and died at the scene. The senior lived alone and had no children, though neighbors said he was a cancer survivor who was recently listed in remission.
No other civilian injuries were reported.
Three mattresses that firefighters had pulled out of the burning apartment remained on the home’s lawn Friday morning. A massive collection of burnt and pitted items, including a record turntable and several video cassettes were also seen strewn about the property.
More than 60 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to fight the blaze and treat the injured.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries as they fought the flames, which were brought under control by 9 p.m.
FDNY fire marshals were trying to determine Friday what sparked the blaze. The fire is not believed to be suspicious, officials said.
