Two-alarm fire destroys Bushwick homes days before Christmas

December 26, 2018 By Todd Masiel Special to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Firefighters work on the damaged building to ensure the fire does not reignite. Eagle photos by Todd Maisel

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A two-alarm fire roared through a two-story wood-frame row house in Bushwick on Saturday, sending several families running for their lives to escape the quickly spreading flames, fire officials said.

Most occupants escaped without injuries, and the only injuries reported to firefighters were minor.

The fire began at 1456 Bushwick Ave. around 4 p.m. on the first floor of the row house and quickly spread to the second floor and the roof, fire officials said. The fire quickly went to a second alarm, bringing more than 50 firefighters to the scene.

Adjoining houses were heavily damaged as the fire reached the roof and ceilings of the first building. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, but by then heavy damage had occurred to one house, including the destruction of Christmas gifts under a tree inside. The adjoining houses suffered mainly smoke and water damage.

The cause of the fire was not known, and was under investigation by fire marshals because of what officials called “heavy fire conditions on arrival.”