A massive fire burned through a large warehouse in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood early Wednesday, vaulting fire into the night sky as the emergency response intensified.
The fire broke out just after midnight, at a factory-type building on 53rd Street between First Avenue and Dead End, officials say. When firefighters arrived, the fire had already spread to two other factory-type buildings, according to Kevin Woods, the FDNY’s chief of fire operations.
Woods said the response quickly escalated to five alarms, which is when all available units are requested on scene.
In an update shortly before dawn Wednesday, Woods said fire boats came in handy, given the fire’s proximity to the water. Firefighters were using 15,000 gallons of water a minute on the blaze, he said.
Two minor injuries were reported to firefighters, mainly related to smoke inhalation. The smoke didn’t lift even after the flames were doused. People who live in the area were advised to keep their windows closed.
The buildings suffered extreme damage and are “total losses,” according to Woods.
Over 250 emergency personnel ultimately responded to the fire. The cause is under investigation.
It wasn’t clear what type of factory caught fire. Fire officials say they couldn’t get inside because of the flames.