Crime & Safety

Fire Breaks Out On Brooklyn Bridge During July 4 Fireworks Show: FDNY

The fire was controlled and actually broke out on the structure used to launch the fireworks, an FDNY representative said.

The fire was controlled and quickly extinguished, officials say.
The fire was controlled and quickly extinguished, officials say. (Kristin Borden/Patch)

BROOKLYN, NY — A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge during the Macy's July 4 fireworks display over the East River Saturday night, officials said.

According to the FDNY, the "reported rubbish" fire broke out on the Manhattan-bound lane of the bridge at 9:40 p.m. Fire officials used two engines to extinguish the fire, the FDNY said.

Speaking with Patch, an NYPD representative said that the fire broke out on the structure used to launch the fireworks; the fire was controlled, he said.

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The two engines were sent to isolate the fire and ensure that the flames were not extending, the FDNY said.

"Fires like these are not unexpected and that is why we have the standoff distance during a fireworks show," the FDNY said.

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Videos appeared on social media showing the flames on the bridge.

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