Massive Fire Erupts in Sunset Park, Visible from Boro Park

By Y.M. Lowy

A major fire broke out last night in a commercial area on 1st Avenue and 53rd Street, sending thick smoke visible across Boro Park and beyond. The blaze, which engulfed a factory-style building and spread to two neighboring structures, prompted a massive emergency response.

Fire officials say the fire started around 12:18 a.m. and quickly grew to a five-alarm incident. Firefighters set up large-caliber exterior streams and deployed two fireboats to fight the flames, using as much as 15,000 gallons of water per minute at the height of the blaze.

Over 250 fire and EMS personnel were on the scene, and units remained for hours as crews continued to extinguish hot spots. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation, but no other injuries have been reported.

The main building collapsed during the fire, creating ongoing safety risks, so firefighters worked from a distance using elevated water streams. Officials say the extent of the damage is severe, with complete losses reported in all affected structures.

Authorities have not determined the cause of the fire.

Photos by: Dovid Jaroslawicz - Ari Freund