Early yesterday morning, a large fire broke out on the Brooklyn waterfront. Firefighters were quickly dispatched and arrived to find a factory engulfed in flames. The burning building, located in the Sunset Park neighborhood on 53rd Street between First Avenue and Dead End, was identified as Universal Food Distributors, Inc.
The situation rapidly escalated, and the severity was increased to a 5-alarm fire. This meant that “all available units [were] requested on scene”. More than 80 units arrived, totaling over 250 firefighters and first responders. The fire department started fighting the fire from the street and on the ladder trucks. Eventually, due to the fire’s close proximity to the water, multiple fireboats were also called to the scene. According to the FDNY Chief of Operations, Kevin Woods, “At one point, we were using approximately 15,000 gallons a minute of water on this fire”.
Witnesses described “plumes of smoke and the glow of the flames” as visible for miles. Unfortunately, the fire spread to at least 2 other buildings in the area before firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. Immediately following the start of the fire, local residents were advised to close their windows. However, once the situation was resolved, Chief Woods announced, “There are no concerns regarding air quality”. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries related to smoke inhalation during the event, “as smoke didn’t lift even after the flames were doused”.
The source of the fire is still under investigation, as damage to the building has made it difficult for investigators to enter. According to officials, the fire was partially “gas-fed,” leading to extensive damage and making it harder for firefighters to put out. The remaining smoke and debris have left many nearby businesses unable to serve customers, as “bricks, broken beams, and puddles now cover the road”. Firefighting efforts resulted in a nearby furniture facility’s products being destroyed by water and the collapse of the roof of a neighboring tile company.
