Six firefighters injured in four-alarm Williamsburg restaurant fire
A four-alarm fire at a commercial building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, injured six firefighters Saturday evening as crews battled flames that spread through a building housing three restaurants.
The FDNY said firefighters encountered a smoke explosion during operations, and officials also reported a localized roof collapse.
The fire was reported at 135 North 5th Street, between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street, in Williamsburg on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The FDNY received the call just before 5:30 p.m. as flames broke out at the commercial property.
Building housed three restaurants
The commercial building housed three restaurants. Local reporting identified Juliette as the restaurant where flames erupted or where the fire began.
According to FDNY officials, the blaze spread from one restaurant through the concealed space between the ceiling and roof into two adjoining restaurant spaces.
The affected restaurants were evacuated during the emergency response, and FOX 5 reported that everyone inside was able to get out. Firefighters then worked to contain the four-alarm blaze, with more than 200 fire and EMS personnel responding to the scene.
Firefighters encounter smoke explosion and roof collapse
During the firefighting operation, crews faced additional challenges inside the building. FDNY Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons said, “There was a smoke explosion inside the building.”
FDNY officials also reported a localized roof collapse during the response. The two events were reported as occurring during firefighting operations.
Six firefighters suffer minor injuries
Six firefighters suffered minor injuries while responding to the fire. CBS New York reported that the injured firefighters were taken to local hospitals for treatment, and FOX 5 also reported that six firefighters were hospitalized with minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The fire was brought under control just after 8:30 p.m. As officials continued assessing the scene, New York City Department of Buildings personnel were on site evaluating structural damage to the building.
Authorities have not announced a cause for the fire. The cause remains under investigation, and officials have not confirmed what led to the blaze.
