Brooklyn Heights Manhole Fire Sparks Apartment Blaze, Evacuations, and Thanksgiving Rescue by FDNY
November 29, 2024On November 29, 2024, a manhole fire in Brooklyn Heights spread to a nearby apartment building, prompting a significant response from the FDNY.
The New York City Fire Department deployed 25 units and 106 personnel to the scene, which was reported shortly after noon.
Firefighters faced challenges in extinguishing the blaze due to its electrical nature and had to wait for Con Edison to cut power to the affected building.
Firefighters utilized five hose lines to combat the flames, which took several hours to bring under control, finally being declared so around 4 p.m.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with officials suspecting a connection to the initial electrical fire in the street.
Power was shut off in the affected buildings to ensure safety, leading to the evacuation of multiple families.
No injuries were reported, but three buildings were evacuated: one due to the fire and two because of high carbon monoxide levels.
The FDNY remained on-site until carbon monoxide levels were deemed safe for residents to return, which occurred by 6:30 PM.
Brooklyn Heights Councilmember Lincoln Restler expressed devastation over the incident and pledged support for the affected families.
Residents were warned about the dangers of manhole fires, which are attributed to NYC's aging power grid, and advised on safety measures.
In a heartwarming moment, firefighters rescued a Thanksgiving dinner from an evacuated building, allowing the family to celebrate the holiday elsewhere.
The building, which has six floors and 26 units, filed for emergency electrical work and plumbing repairs following the fire.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources
CBS New York • Nov 28, 2024
Brooklyn residents improvise their Thanksgiving meals after manhole fire forces evacuationsNew York Daily News • Nov 28, 2024
Fire in Brooklyn manhole consumes Subaru SUV, spreads to nearby apartment buildingABC7 New York • Nov 28, 2024
Buildings evacuated after manhole fire spreads to Brooklyn Heights apartment on ThanksgivingamNewYork • Nov 29, 2024
Brooklyn residents displaced by two-alarm fire on Thanksgiving Day; cause under investigation