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Crime & Safety

Fire at Pizzeria Causes Late Night Traffic Back-Up

Blaze at Douglaston Parkway's Sapore did not appear to cause much damage.

Residents along the northern stretch of Douglaston Parkway were privy to a light show in the wee hours of Thursday morning after some food apparently left in an oven filled Il Sapore Pizza and Restaurant with smoke.

The alarm, which went off around 2 a.m., drew the local fire company and two cars from the 111th Precinct, but also a battalion chief from Oakland Gardens.

Following the latest round of staff cuts at the city’s Fire Department, more equipment is dispatched to fight fires. At least five fire vehicles arrived at last night’s scene, completely closing Douglaston Parkway from Northern Boulevard to 44th Avenue.

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The flashing lights and engine noise roused numerous neighbors from their beds. Several cars had to make U-turns so drivers could find their way to Douglaston Hill or Doulas Manor by other routes.

Firefighters gained entry into the business and the apartments upstairs at 44-17 Douglaston Parkway and led senior citizen Ann Demarest onto the sidewalk.

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“I’m fine,” Demarest said. “You know, I lived across the street at the Princeton for many years. Maybe I should have stayed there – and gotten a good night’s sleep.”

There did not appear to be fire damage to the popular eatery, but managers could be seen attempting to replace the lock and repair the door long after the emergency responders had departed.

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