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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayA four-alarm Brooklyn fire spread through the cockloft of three restaurants, triggering a smoke explosion, mayday and a partial roof collapse
September 21, 2026 09:09 AM •
NEW YORK — FDNY crews battled a fire that spread through three restaurants in Brooklyn.
Firefighters were called to a building on North Fifth Street between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 19.
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Fire officials said the building housed three restaurants and the fire spread through the cockloft, the space between the ceiling and roof, from one restaurant into the two adjoining businesses.
The FDNY posted on Facebook that a smoke explosion occurred during the fire and part of the roof suffered a localized collapse.
“About 35 minutes into the operation, we had a smoke explosion,” Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons said. “We transmitted a mayday out of an abundance of caution to make sure that none of our members were injured.”
The blaze reached four alarms, bringing more than 200 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene.
Six firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to local hospitals for treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at [email protected].
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