A two-alarm fire ripped through a two-story building in Bay Ridge just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, sending a column of smoke over the block, tearing through a ground-floor deli and pushing four people out of their apartments. Despite the dramatic scene and a gas station sitting close by, fire officials said no one was injured.
FDNY officials said they believe the fire started in the back of the deli, then climbed into the apartments above, damaging several units and forcing evacuations, according to News12 New York. Firefighters moved quickly to knock down the flames, while the Department of Buildings joined FDNY at the scene to check whether the structure was stable and to rule out any risk of collapse. Officials said the exact cause of the blaze is still unknown.
“I smelled the smoke, I smelled the gas. Then I saw the smoke coming out from right there,” a witness said, per News12 New York. As a precaution, National Grid crews drilled into the street to inspect underground gas lines, city officials said.
The nearby gas station added an extra layer of anxiety in a neighborhood that has already had its nerves tested by recent utility scares. Last April, a National Grid worker was seriously injured and homes were evacuated after a gas main ruptured on 86th Street in Bay Ridge, according to ABC7.
Gas Safety Rules to Follow
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and National Grid’s emergency lines (for NYC customers call 1-718-643-4050; the general gas-emergency line is 1-800-490-0045), according to National Grid. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off, avoid using phones inside the building, and stay at a safe distance until emergency crews clear the scene.
What Happens Next
Fire marshals are expected to continue investigating the origin and cause of the blaze on-site, while the Department of Buildings determines whether the structure is safe for anyone to return. The four displaced residents will remain out of their homes until inspections are finished and any necessary repairs are made.
