Fire crews battle blaze in 2 homes in Bensonhurst

A three-alarm fire tore through two homes in Bensonhurst early Saturday morning and the Department of Buildings slapped one of the homeowners with a violation.
Officials with the Department of Buildings say the fire started in a home at 1948 85th St., just after midnight. The home suffered extensive damage throughout all three floors of the home, before spreading to an attached home at 1950 85th St.
It took more than 100 firefighters two hours to get the flames under control.
DOB inspectors observed an illegal conversion that had been created in the attic of 1950 85th St., with illegal gas plumbing work done to create a full kitchen. Inspectors issued full vacate orders to both properties due to the damage. The homeowner of 1950 85th St. was also issued a violation for illegal conversion.
Twenty-nine people have been displaced from their homes and are being offered relocation assistance by the Red Cross.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Fire officials said the cause of the fire was accidental, and it was sparked by the careless disposal of smoking materials.