Brooklyn Families Displaced by Thanksgiving Day Blaze; Cause Under Investigation

A two-alarm fire at 76 Remsen St. in Prospect Heights on Thanksgiving Day forced several Brooklyn residents to evacuate their homes as firefighters battled the blaze. The fire, which began in multiple manholes, is currently under investigation by FDNY Fire Marshals.

The incident started at approximately 12:01 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2024, when flames erupted from manholes in front of the apartment building, eventually spreading to a parked car nearby. As firefighters assessed the scene for fire extensions and checked carbon monoxide levels in the vicinity, they discovered a fourth-floor apartment fully engulfed in flames.

The blaze prompted the evacuation of residents from three surrounding buildings. They scrambled to safety with pets and even their Thanksgiving meals in tow.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene, conducting thorough door-to-door checks to ensure everyone was out of harm’s way. Despite the alarming nature of the fire, no injuries were reported. Deputy Chief Tom Crowley confirmed firefighters used five hose lines to extinguish the central fire.

Utility crews from Con Edison and National Grid were also on-site to manage the manhole fires and address related damage. The fire was officially declared under control by 4 p.m.

While no one was harmed, the incident shook residents as they processed the unexpected disruption to their holiday celebrations. Investigators continue to determine the exact cause of the fire.