By Spectrum News Staff New York City UPDATED 3:10 PM ET Dec. 10, 2020 PUBLISHED 6:24 AM ET Dec. 10, 2020 PUBLISHED 6:24 AM EST Dec. 10, 2020 SHARE The fire department is investigating a fire that tore through several buildings in Queens overnight. Flames broke out at a two-story building on Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill shortly before 1:30 Thursday morning. The fire then spread to six neighboring buildings. Three firefighters were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. About 40 people were forced from their homes and are being helped by the Red Cross. Fire officials say the flames moved fast. "It quickly extended to a common area that runs above the ceiling. Once it gets in there we have to get ahead of it. It's all wood structure, old, so that's the challenges," said Assistant Fire Chief John Hodgens.