
A well-known dining destination in Tarrytown, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, was hit by a fire in the early hours of Saturday, causing it to temporarily close doors. The fire, which broke out shortly after 3 a.m. on January 11, was first alerted by a commercial alarm system leading responders to a cooking appliance fire that had quickly spread to the building's interiors.
The incident was rapidly handled thanks to the Pocantico Hills Fire Department and mutual aid from surrounding departments, who worked together to quickly contain and extinguish the fire. "The damage could have been much worse without the swift action of all personnel on scene," the department expressed on social media, highlighting the efficiency of the response teams. The fire affected both the first and second floors of the famed restaurant located on the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture property, as reported by Daily Voice Tarrytown.
Further statements disclosed by Blue Hill on Instagram described the fire as "small but serious," assuring the public that fortunately no injuries were reported. While the cause of the fire remains uncertain, the quick action of over 60 firefighters prevented what could have been a burgeoning disaster. Dan Barber, the notable chef known for his appearance on Chef's Table, reflected on the incident stating, "The buildings are intact and the damage is contained. It's too early to assess the physical harm, but not too early to feel grateful... more than 60 fighters bravely battling to contain a potential disaster. We owe these anonymous — and until now for us, unheralded volunteers, everything," he penned on his personal Instagram account, acknowledged in a statement by Eater New York.
The unfortunate event has led to the closure of all campus operations, including the main restaurant, cafeteria, and event spaces, as conveyed by the restaurant. However, the establishment, which was featured in Wine Spectator's 2024 Restaurant Awards, has vowed to return, stating, "We are looking forward to welcoming back our guests soon," as detailed by Eater New York. This sentiment aligns with Blue Hill's legacy of resilience and innovation, particularly its transformation post-pandemic into what it dubbed "2.0," highlighting its continued commitment to the interplay of agriculture, cuisine, and sustainability, as noted in Eater New York's 2022 investigation. Inspectors are scheduled to assess the extent of the damages, and both the culinary community and its patrons surely hope for a swift and complete recovery.