Neighborhood Institution Burned in Overnight Fire Above Busy Brooklyn Subway Stop
Fierce Blaze Forces Displacement of Dozens and Lasting Damage to Homes and Businesses
A devastating late-night fire ravaged a trio of Brooklyn buildings, forcing the displacement of nearly a dozen families and causing significant damage to local homes and businesses.
Firefighters Respond to Scene
Firefighters responded to the Williamsburg intersection of Graham and Metropolitan avenues around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Video from early in the fire fight showed flames shooting out of third-story windows.
Fire Spreads to Neighboring Buildings
The fire appeared to start on the corner building, a three-story mixed-use building directly above an entrance to the Graham Street subway station serving the L train. Officials closed off the entrance for the time being. Before the fire crews were able to get the blaze under control, fire spread to two neighboring buildings as well. According to city inspectors, all three were determined “no longer safe to occupy” and were given vacate orders.
Injuries and Damage
FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods said an occupant of the building and three firefighters each suffered minor injuries. The fire, Woods said, required a 4-alarm response.
“At a 4th alarm we use about 200 firefighters and EMS personnel with over 50 pieces of fire apparatus here,” the chief explained.
Firefighters managed to get the fire under control around 1:30 a.m.
Community Losses
Among the torched destruction is City Chemist, a pharmacy that neighbors say has been around for decades. The store sits on the ground floor of the corner building where the fire originated.
“It’s just horrendous, to see the families displaced to see this pharmacy on the corner that has been here for decades,” said neighbor Betsy Todd. “It’s a neighborhood institution.”
Investigation Underway
Investigators were on scene Sunday morning working to determine a cause of the fire.
Conclusion
The devastating fire has left a lasting impact on the community, with families displaced and businesses destroyed. As the investigation continues, the community comes together to support those affected and rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What was the cause of the fire?
+ The cause of the fire is still under investigation and has not been determined.
* How many people were displaced by the fire?
+ Nearly a dozen families were displaced by the fire.
* What buildings were affected by the fire?
+ The fire affected a three-story mixed-use building, as well as two neighboring buildings.
* What was the extent of the damage?
+ The fire caused significant damage to homes and businesses, with all three affected buildings deemed “no longer safe to occupy”.
