Historic Red Hook warehouse goes up in flames

<p>About 106 firefighters and two boats responded to a vacant warehouse fire Thursday night in Red Hook.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 15, 2018, 10:33 PM

Updated 2,146 days ago

Share:

About 106 firefighters and two boats responded to a vacant warehouse fire Thursday night in Red Hook.
The flames broke out around 11:15 p.m. at the building on Smith Street and Creamer Avenue.
No injuries were reported. The building remains standing despite heavy roof damage.
An office manager for developer Meyer Chetrit told News 12 that they were not allowed to comment.
Community members say the three-story building included another section that's already been torn down. It was built in the late 1880s and used to be known as the S.W. Bowne Grain Storehouse, according to local historical experts.
The fire happened as historical groups were working to landmark the building.
The New York City Department of Buildings has issued a full vacate order for the property. There are also civil penalties due for violations on the site.
On Wednesday, the Gowanus Landmarking Coalition met with City Councilman Carlos Menchaca to ask that the proposal to landmark the building be reopened. It was brought up last year and also in 2009, but no major action was taken.
"The timing of the fire immediately on the heels of the meeting and the subsequent outreach to the owner paints the blaze in an incredibly suspicious light," the group said in a statement. "This is a true, sad loss for the community. It's time for an investigation."
The group plans to continue pursuing the landmark status even after the fire.
The FDNY is still determining the cause. Some nearby businesses say they were asked for any surveillance video to see whether the fire was intentionally set.


More from News 12
1:54
Stamford’s BOE reinstates Columbus Day, Veterans Day in school holiday calendar

Stamford’s BOE reinstates Columbus Day, Veterans Day in school holiday calendar

1:28
Sunshine, warmer weather returns to Connecticut

Sunshine, warmer weather returns to Connecticut

0:28
Authorities: 4 dogs left alone in car dead after fire in Milford

Authorities: 4 dogs left alone in car dead after fire in Milford

0:22
Hartford Archbishop Leonard Paul Blair retires after 10 years

Hartford Archbishop Leonard Paul Blair retires after 10 years

0:20
Stratford PD: ‘Armed and dangerous’ woman wanted on felony robbery warrant is arrested

Stratford PD: ‘Armed and dangerous’ woman wanted on felony robbery warrant is arrested

0:17
Martinelli's apple juice recalled over high arsenic levels

Martinelli's apple juice recalled over high arsenic levels

0:33
What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

1:50
Trial begins for man accused of killing Stamford man in Bridgeport in 2017

Trial begins for man accused of killing Stamford man in Bridgeport in 2017

2:21
‘Absolute panic and horror.’ Westport woman warns pet owners after coyote attacked her dog

‘Absolute panic and horror.’ Westport woman warns pet owners after coyote attacked her dog

0:49
Attorney general, FBI join forces to launch cybercrimes public awareness campaign

Attorney general, FBI join forces to launch cybercrimes public awareness campaign

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:28
Community college in Bridgeport hosts symposium to assist people impacted by criminal justice system

Community college in Bridgeport hosts symposium to assist people impacted by criminal justice system

0:44
Sen. Blumenthal calls for investigation into TurboTax for deceptive marketing practices

Sen. Blumenthal calls for investigation into TurboTax for deceptive marketing practices

1:58
New Haven police take down Yale students' encampment amid pro-Palestinian protests

New Haven police take down Yale students' encampment amid pro-Palestinian protests

0:44
UConn police tear down pro-Palestinian encampments, some protesters arrested

UConn police tear down pro-Palestinian encampments, some protesters arrested

1:39
Fairfield students to compete in Odyssey of the Mind world finals

Fairfield students to compete in Odyssey of the Mind world finals

0:18
Pickup truck crashes into porch at Bridgeport home

Pickup truck crashes into porch at Bridgeport home

0:25
Abandoned tan pit bull escapes in Norwalk, authorities seek information

Abandoned tan pit bull escapes in Norwalk, authorities seek information

3:08
Made in Connecticut: Tucci Lumber Bats in Norwalk makes bats for Major League Baseball

Made in Connecticut: Tucci Lumber Bats in Norwalk makes bats for Major League Baseball