Fire breaks out on the Brooklyn Bridge from New York City’s July 4 fireworks
NEW YORK –Â A fire erupted on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge during New York City’s annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, creating a dramatic scene as flames and smoke appeared beneath exploding fireworks over the East River. FDNY officials quickly brought the blaze under control; and no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday while fireworks were being launched from platforms installed on the historic 143-year-old bridge, which had been closed to traffic for the celebration. Videos captured by spectators showed flames and a plume of smoke rising from sections of the bridge as fireworks continued overhead, briefly alarming onlookers.
According to the New York City Fire Department, two fire engines responded and extinguished the blaze within minutes. Officials said minor fires can occur during large-scale pyrotechnic displays and are among the reasons spectators are kept at a safe distance from launch sites.
A source familiar with the response told the New York Post that the fire was confined to temporary fireworks-launch platforms rather than the bridge’s structure itself. The source added that the Brooklyn Bridge remains safe and structurally sound, easing concerns about damage to one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks.
“I thought it was supposed to happen, but then I was scared it would explode,” one visitor from France told reporters after witnessing the incident from the Brooklyn waterfront.
The fireworks display had been moved to an earlier start time because of severe weather threatening much of the East Coast. Storms disrupted or delayed Independence Day celebrations in several cities, including Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, and parts of Pennsylvania, though New York’s signature fireworks show proceeded as planned.
Despite the unexpected blaze, the celebration continued, firefighters quickly contained the flames, and city officials confirmed there were no reported injuries or ongoing safety concerns related to the Brooklyn Bridge.
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(Sources: AP News, New York Post, Times Now)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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