Thick black smoke rolled over Bushwick late Thursday morning as FDNY crews rushed to knock down a fast-moving shed fire along the side of a home. Multiple fire units crowded the street, and video on neighborhood safety apps showed heavy flames chewing through the structure. Three firefighters were hurt while battling the blaze, and hazmat teams were called in over concerns about propane stored inside.
According to News 12 New York, the FDNY said the call came in just before 11 a.m. for a shed fire that reportedly involved multiple propane tanks. The department said more than 70 fire and EMS personnel responded. One firefighter was treated at the scene, while two others were taken to local hospitals for evaluation. Hazmat units stayed on the block as crews worked to secure the area.
Videos posted to the Citizen safety app captured thick smoke and visible flames, while local residents traded firsthand accounts online. A thread on r/Bushwick pulled together eyewitness reports of heavy smoke and noted hazmat companies moving through nearby intersections as the response unfolded.
Why Propane Raised The Stakes
Propane cylinders can accelerate a fire and create explosion hazards if they leak or are exposed to intense heat, which is why hazmat teams are dispatched when multiple tanks are reported on scene. Safety guidance from the National Fire Protection Association explains that propane is heavier than air and can pool in low-lying areas, boosting the risk of sudden flame spread and pressure release. Residents are urged to keep cylinders upright, store them outdoors and away from occupied buildings, and avoid tucking them against structures where a small fire can quickly turn into something far more dangerous.
Neighbors, Injuries And Next Steps
Neighbors said the fire looked largely knocked down by the time they passed the scene, with crews combing through the area for remaining hot spots and possible leaks. There were no immediate reports of civilian injuries in local posts, per r/Bushwick. FDNY has not yet released additional details and will investigate what sparked the blaze.
