By Jeremy Walsh
The fire broke out at noon in a single-story private residence on Gorsline Street near 51st Avenue. The blaze soon warranted a second alarm, FDNY officials said. Some 25 units and 106 firefighters went to work on the fire, which was brought under control at 12:50 p.m.Two firefighters suffered serious burns and were taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan. Five other firefighters and three occupants of the home suffered minor injuries, fire officials said.The cause of the fire was still under investigation, but preliminary evidence suggested it was caused by embers leaping out of the fireplace, officials said.Fire marshals investigating the home discovered a .32-caliber revolver, a .38-caliber revolver, a billy club and several containers of marijuana as well as grinding machines with marijuana residue and a pair of black handcuffs, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Queens district attorney's office.The fire marshals arrested 54-year-old Zbigniew Wikiert on charges of possessing drugs and weapons.Wikiert was arraigned Saturday. His next court date is March 5, the Queens DA's office said.The home remained vacant Sunday, with a police car parked across the street. A wheelchair lay folded in a front hedge, evidently thrown from a window, while an old, wood-paneled TV set lay screen-up in the front walkway.Neighbors who asked not to be named said the residents kept to themselves and were rarely seen outside the house.Reach reporter Jeremy Walsh by e-mail at jwalsh@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.
