Williamsburg Brooklyn Restaurant Fire Injures 6 Firefighters
A four-alarm fire tore through a restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Saturday evening, injuring six firefighters and causing a partial roof collapse, according to the FDNY.
The fire broke out shortly before 5:30 p.m. on September 19 at Juliette restaurant at 135 North 5th Street, between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street. The blaze quickly escalated to four alarms as firefighters battled heavy flames and smoke.
Six firefighters injured
FDNY officials said six firefighters suffered minor injuries while fighting the Williamsburg restaurant fire. Four were taken to Woodhull Hospital for treatment, while another firefighter initially declined medical attention, according to News 12. Other reports said all six injured firefighters received hospital treatment.
No other injuries were reported.
The building housed three restaurants, and officials said the fire spread from one restaurant through the space between the ceiling and roof into two adjoining restaurants.
Partial roof collapse and smoke explosion
The fire also resulted in a localized or partial roof collapse while firefighters were operating inside the building.
Officials said a smoke explosion occurred during the response, prompting firefighters to withdraw and a Mayday call to be transmitted as a precaution. Fire Engineering reported that the smoke explosion happened roughly 35 minutes into the operation.
More than 200 fire and EMS personnel responded, with News 12 reporting approximately 231 personnel at the scene.
The fire was brought under control shortly after 8:30 p.m., roughly three hours after firefighters arrived.
Damage investigation underway
The fire caused extensive damage to Juliette and affected other businesses along the North 5th Street block. Department of Buildings officials were also at the scene assessing the building’s structural condition.
The cause of the Williamsburg fire remains under investigation.
Juliette had been a longtime Williamsburg restaurant and was described by local residents as a neighborhood fixture.