A fierce late-night fire tore through three buildings in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, leaving nearly a dozen families displaced and causing severe damage to homes and businesses. The blaze, which began Saturday night, required a large-scale emergency response and resulted in the loss of a neighborhood staple.
Details of the Fire
Location and Timeline
The fire broke out around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Graham and Metropolitan Avenues. The flames originated in a three-story mixed-use building, which sits directly above the Graham Street subway station entrance for the L train.
- Rapid Spread: The fire quickly engulfed the building and spread to two neighboring properties, prompting city inspectors to declare all three buildings unsafe to occupy.
Response by FDNY
The scale of the fire required a 4-alarm response, bringing in approximately 200 firefighters and EMS personnel with over 50 pieces of fire apparatus. FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods described the operation:
“At a 4th alarm we use about 200 firefighters and EMS personnel with over 50 pieces of fire apparatus here.”
Firefighters worked tirelessly and managed to bring the fire under control by 1:30 a.m.
Impact on the Community
Injuries and Displacements
- Minor Injuries: One building occupant and three firefighters sustained minor injuries during the incident.
- Displaced Families: Nearly a dozen families were forced to leave their homes due to the destruction.
- Vacate Orders: City inspectors determined that all three affected buildings were no longer safe to occupy, leaving residents and businesses without access to their properties.
Loss of City Chemist Pharmacy
Among the damaged buildings was City Chemist, a decades-old pharmacy located on the ground floor of the corner building where the fire began. The store was regarded as a community institution.
- Neighbor’s Reaction: Longtime resident Betsy Todd expressed the community’s grief, saying:
“It’s just horrendous, to see the families displaced and to see this pharmacy on the corner that has been here for decades. It’s a neighborhood institution.”
Ongoing Investigation
Cause of the Fire
Investigators were at the scene on Sunday morning to determine the cause of the blaze. While the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the emotional and financial toll of the disaster.
The devastating fire in Williamsburg highlights the challenges faced by urban neighborhoods during emergencies. While the quick response from the FDNY helped contain the damage, the impact on the displaced families, businesses, and the local community is profound. As investigators work to uncover the fire’s cause, the focus now shifts to supporting those affected and rebuilding what was lost.
