Brooklyn Apartment Building Fire Displaces Residents After Explosion

Fire Erupts in Brooklyn Apartment Building

• 🏠 Residents were forced out of their homes in Borough Park, Brooklyn, after a fire broke out around 2:00 a.m.
• 💨 Many residents escaped with only the clothes on their backs, reporting the smell of gas followed by an explosion.

Fire Response and Building Impact

• 🚒 Nearly 140 firefighters and EMS responded to the blaze, which investigators believe started on the first floor of a shoe store.
• ⚠️ The fire extended to the second floor, causing heavy smoke and making it difficult to breathe due to the gas and smoke.
• 🏘️ Crews are now boarding up the building, which housed storefronts and apartments.

Assistance for Displaced Residents

• 🆘 The Red Cross is assisting approximately 20 people, including 15 adults and five children.
• 🐦 Two birds were also rescued and are being cared for.
• ✅ Fortunately, all residents were able to escape the fire safely.

Investigation Underway

• 🔍 The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
• 📍 The incident occurred at an apartment building on 13th Avenue and 39th Street in Borough Park, Brooklyn.