3 firefighters suffer minor injuries after East Williamsburg fire causes partial collapse
Officials say the building is now considered a collapse zone and is leaning toward Catherine Street.
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A fast-moving fire tore through a building in East Williamsburg late Sunday night, injuring three firefighters and causing parts of the structure to collapse, according to the FDNY.
It happened just before 10 p.m. on Grand Street, between Catherine Street and Morgan Avenue.
Officials say the fire started on the first floor of a three-story building. There was a deli on the ground level and apartments above. The fire spread quickly and extended into the building next door.
At one point, crews had to back out and fight the fire from outside because the building was no longer stable. Part of a wall from the main building collapsed into the street, and another section fell in the back.
Officials say the building is now considered a collapse zone and is leaning toward Catherine Street.
Despite the dangerous conditions, everyone inside made it out safely.
Three firefighters were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. They are all expected to be OK.
More than 200 emergency responders were on the scene as crews worked for hours to get the fire under control. I
t was brought under control early Monday morning.
Both buildings have now been ordered vacated by the Department of Buildings.
Demolition efforts were underway into Monday night, as OEM said the building was at risk of collapsing from high winds. Residents told News 12 that three pet cats remain missing in the rubble as of Monday night.
Residents say they are demanding answers from the properties landlord after they say their fire alarms did not go off during the blaze.
“It all happened in like 60 seconds, if we had 30 more, we could have save more of our pets and belongings but we never stood a chance,” said resident Fred Cullin, who says he was unable to rescue one of his cats.
Cullin and his partner were seen placing cat food containers near their ruined home, hoping their pet made it out on Monday night.
News 12 reached out to the landlord number provided by residents and was waiting to hear back as of Monday night.
The American Red Cross says 12 households — 18 adults — are getting help, including temporary housing and financial assistance.
Fire marshals are now investigating what caused the fire.
