Massive Fire Destroys Artist Warehouse in Brooklyn

RED HOOK, Brooklyn (WABC) — Firefighters are still battling hotspots nearly 24 hours after a massive fire tore through a warehouse used by artists in Brooklyn. The five-alarm fire began around 11:30 PM on Wednesday at 481 Van Brunt Street.

The fire broke out next to a woodworking studio belonging to artist Christopher Bailey, who has been making custom furniture there for over two decades. “I walked here and then I saw what was happening. It was clear that one very hot spot was burning,” Bailey said.

The building, constructed in 1870 and primarily made of heavy timber, fueled the intense blaze. Firefighters faced challenges as they fought the fire from both land and water, deploying the FDNY fire boat Marine 9, which can pump 50,000 gallons of water per minute.

“I was notified at 5:00 this morning that a fire broke out on the third floor. We are on the fourth floor, and I see water pouring in through the roof,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous. FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods reported significant structural damage, including a collapsed roof and fourth floor, and stated that structural engineers will evaluate the site.

By dawn, the fire was under control, but flames reignited later in the day. Firefighters remained on scene to extinguish stubborn hotspots, as the four-story warehouse housed around 50 to 100 artists.

George Fiala, who edits the local community paper, compared the situation to a man-made weather event, noting, “There’s so much water being used to put out this fire.” One anonymous tenant described her work restoring historical art pieces, emphasizing the meticulous effort involved.

The building was set to host the “Red Hook Open Studios” event, showcasing over 150 artists in October. Deborah Ugoretz, co-organizer of the event, noted that the community is coming together to support those affected, drawing parallels to the devastation from Hurricane Sandy.

Fortunately, no one was inside during the fire, which is currently under investigation. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze.