Firefighters Still Battling Red Hook Warehouse Fire More Than 24 Hours Later

By BoroPark24 Staff

More than a day after flames tore through a massive warehouse in Red Hook, FDNY crews remain on the scene Friday morning, still spraying water into the smoldering structure and monitoring for flare-ups.

The blaze began around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night at 481 Van Brunt Street and escalated to a five-alarm fire by 2:30 a.m. Thursday, drawing over 250 firefighters and EMS members. Heavy flames ripped through the roof and upper floors before the roof ultimately collapsed and part of the fourth floor gave way. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

FDNY officials used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect hot spots and guide ladder companies and fireboats as they blasted water from the bay. The 150-year-old warehouse, built from heavy timber, allowed the fire to spread quickly.

The building housed artists and small businesses, many of whom are still reeling from the devastation.

Structural engineers are expected to inspect the building before fire marshals can safely enter to investigate the cause of the blaze. For now, firefighters continue to keep watch as they work to fully extinguish the fire.