On Thanksgiving Day, residents of Brooklyn Heights faced not only the challenge of preparing a holiday feast but also the disruption of a manhole fire that escalated to apartment evacuations. According to ABC7 New York, firefighters were called to 76 Remsen St. around noon when a manhole fire ignited beneath a parked car and then to swiftly spread into a fourth-floor apartment. The fire led to heightened levels of carbon monoxide, necessitating the evacuation of neighboring buildings as a precaution.
The blaze, which FDNY stated was contained without any reported injuries, left residents to hastily figure out their next steps as traditional Thanksgiving plans went askew. Con Edison, reported by CBS News New York, attributed the cause of the fire to mechanical problems and announced that power would likely not be restored until around midnight, leaving dozens of customers in the dark on this family holiday. As Con Edison and National Grid remained on scene for repairs, the affected community grappled with altered traditions and uncertain timelines for a return to normalcy.
Despite no reports of injuries, the day was marked by inconvenience and fear. James Deutsch, a local resident, described the experience to CBS News New York as "scary," with flames appearing right outside his home. Neighbors, including Leo Merkel, encountered sudden darkness and loss of heat during their Thanksgiving meal preparations. Merkel lamented over the absence of electric power with "We were just cooking our turkey and now not going to have turkey. No power," as he relayed the account to CBS News New York.
However, optimism was to also find its place amidst the chaos. As the Deutsch family faced the prospect of abandoning their carefully laid Thanksgiving table for 14, firefighters stepped in to help rescue the holiday. "We were able to go in, save their Thanksgiving dinner, pack it up," FDNY Deputy Chief Stephen P. Corcoran disclosed to CBS News New York. Subsequently, Diana Deutsch expressed gratitude as she shared they were bringing their meal "over to my son's," ensuring that the gathering, although smaller, went ahead in familial spirit.
