Bryant Park Winter Village Reopens After Destructive Fire
Fire Breaks Out at Holiday Market
The Bryant Park Winter Village in Manhattan reopened on Saturday after a destructive fire broke out during the busy holiday shopping season. The fire occurred on Friday morning, just hours before the holiday market was set to open.
Cause of the Fire
The fire was caused by cooking oil coming into contact with combustibles, according to the FDNY. Three food booths were completely destroyed, and an adjacent kiosk suffered slight damage. The ice skating tent also took some minor heat damage.
Impact on Businesses
The fire had a significant impact on the businesses affected. Mario Vivas, the owner of Criollas Empanadas, estimated that he could lose up to $50,000 by not being open during one of the busiest weeks. The shops that were impacted by the fire will miss out on more than a week’s worth of potential business, which could see them lose tens of thousands of dollars.
Response and Investigation
The FDNY responded quickly to the incident, and no injuries were reported. An investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental. The city’s emergency management department warned commuters to expect traffic delays and road closures around the area in the immediate aftermath of the blaze.
Reopening and Future Plans
The shops are set to close for the season on January 5, but the ice skating rink and winter wonderland are open through March. The shops that were impacted by the fire will not reopen until next year. The long-running open-air market features hundreds of food and merchandise vendors and draws hordes of holiday tourists to the park between Times Square and Grand Central Terminal over the holiday season.
Conclusion
The Bryant Park Winter Village has reopened after a destructive fire, but the impact on the businesses affected will be significant. The fire serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for quick response times in the event of an emergency.
FAQs
Q: What caused the fire at the Bryant Park Winter Village?
A: The fire was caused by cooking oil coming into contact with combustibles.
Q: How many businesses were affected by the fire?
A: Three food booths were completely destroyed, and an adjacent kiosk suffered slight damage.
Q: Will the shops that were impacted by the fire reopen this year?
A: No, the shops that were impacted by the fire will not reopen until next year.
Q: What is the impact on the businesses affected by the fire?
A: The fire could see the businesses affected lose tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.
Q: Is the Bryant Park Winter Village open for the rest of the season?
A: Yes, the ice skating rink and winter wonderland are open through March, but the shops are set to close for the season on January 5.
