A recent apartment fire in Queens, NY injured 14 residents and first responders and forced 160 people from their homes. It began when a worker used a blowtorch to remove lead-based paint from a metal door in the building. It’s unclear if the worker realized the paint was lead based. 

Flame from the torch ignited nearby wood studs and spread quickly. The worker was unable to extinguish the flames. Ultimately the fire burned much of the top floor of the 6-story apartment building. 

According to the NY Post, eight civilians, four firefighters and two police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The 5-alarm blaze drew nearly 200 firefighters and EMS and took four hours to extinguish.

A total of 160 people — from 68 different households — were receiving emergency assistance, including temporary lodging and meals, in the aftermath of the fire, according to a rep for the American Red Cross.

As you probably know, RRP rules prohibit open-flame burning or torching of painted surfaces. Operating a heat gun on painted surfaces at temperatures greater than 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit is also prohibited.

For more information on RRP rules, go here.