East Harlem Fire: Beer Garden Blaze Spreads to Apartment Building, Displacing Residents

Fire Erupts in East Harlem

• 🔥 A significant fire broke out last night near Santiago's Beer Garden on First Avenue in East Harlem.
• 💨 Flames and heavy smoke were visible shooting into the night sky.
• 🚒 Nearly 200 firefighters responded to the scene to combat the blaze.

Impact on Residents and Businesses

• 🏠 More than a dozen people are now in need of housing after the fire ripped through an adjacent apartment building.
• 🏢 The residential building suffered smoke, fire, and water damage, with officials assessing which structures will be issued vacate orders.
• ⚠️ Crews were seen boarding up windows on buildings along First Avenue as business owners and workers awaited access.

Santiago's Beer Garden and Community Impact

• 🍻 Santiago's Beer Garden, connected to a restaurant that was open at the time, was significantly damaged, leaving behind charred debris and ashes.
• 💔 The owner of Santiago's Beer Garden, who annually donates cooked food for Thanksgiving, stated they are unable to do so this year due to the fire.
• 🤝 The owner plans to start a GoFundMe to support staff who are now out of a job before the holidays, with details to be posted on their Instagram.

Investigation and Assistance

• 🔍 Officials are investigating whether the fire originated in a garbage can outside the establishment.
• 🆘 The American Red Cross is providing assistance to 15 people affected by the incident.