Flames broke out around 2:30 a.m. at 2334 Washington Ave. in Belmont, leaving seven people injured – one of them in critical condition, the FDNY says.
Officials say the fire started on the second floor and appeared to only have caused damaged to one side of the building.
Multiple witnesses told News 12 that the flames reignited after the initial blaze was quelled. The FDNY says it was under control after 3 a.m.
Seven people suffered minor injuries, and one person was transported to St. Barnabas in critical condition, according to the FDNY. A witness said the experience was traumatizing.
"The only thing I remember was waking up to the smoke in my house. We had to leave through the fire escape," the resident said.
It was not immediately clear how the fire began.