A fast-moving fire ripped through a Clinton Hill deli before dawn Monday, seriously injuring a firefighter and hurting two residents. The blaze sparked just after 3 a.m. at 504 Classon Avenue, near Putnam Avenue, and shot from the ground-floor storefront into the apartments above as neighbors recorded thick smoke pouring into the street.
Large FDNY response
The FDNY quickly upgraded the incident to a second alarm at around 3:34 a.m., bringing 46 units and 141 fire and EMS personnel to the block, according to News12 Brooklyn. Fire officials said the flames started on the first floor and spread to the second, and crews stayed on scene into the morning to chase down stubborn hot spots. Video from the scene showed thick smoke hanging over the neighborhood as firefighters worked to get the blaze under control.
Building and storefront
Property records list 504 Classon Avenue as a mixed-use building with commercial space at street level and apartments above, per StreetEasy. Local restaurant directories identify a deli at that ground-floor address, confirming there is a retail storefront at the base of the building, according to MenuPix.
Injuries and aid
Officials told News12 Brooklyn that one firefighter suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Two residents were also hurt, with one treated on site and the other transported to Brooklyn Hospital. The American Red Cross responded to assist people affected by the blaze while FDNY investigators worked to determine what sparked the fire. Authorities had not yet said how many residents might be displaced.
Why this matters
Fires that start in ground-floor businesses and race into upstairs apartments are a recurring problem in older mixed-use buildings, often prompting questions about building systems and upkeep. FDNY leadership has recently told lawmakers that electrical fires remain a leading cause of major blazes in New York City, putting a spotlight on building safety practices and inspections, per Bisnow. This story will be updated as FDNY and other city agencies release more information.
