Brooklyn firefighters injured in Williamsburg restaurant fire

Six firefighters were injured during a four-alarm fire at a building housing three restaurants in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The blaze began shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Saturday on North Fifth Street, between Bedford Avenue and Berry Avenue.

According to the FDNY, the fire originated in one establishment and spread through the space between the false ceiling and the roof, eventually reaching the other two restaurants. All three businesses were evacuated. During the firefighting efforts, a smoke explosion occurred inside the building, followed by a partial collapse of the roof. FDNY Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons stated that the explosion happened approximately 30 minutes after suppression efforts began, but no firefighters were trapped by the collapse.

The incident mobilized over 200 firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The fire was brought under control around 8:30 p.m. The six injured firefighters were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition.

The New York Department of Buildings is currently evaluating the structural integrity of the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.