Massive Five-Alarm Fire Tears Through Boro Park Matzah Bakery Overnight

Description

A massive five-alarm fire broke out around 2 a.m. at the Boro Park Matzah Bakery on 36th Street near 13th Avenue, sending huge flames into the night sky and prompting an intense, hours-long firefighting operation. Heavy fire conditions were visible from blocks away as dozens of FDNY units rushed to the scene to battle the blaze. More than 175 personnel responded, and part of the building collapsed during the incident. Firefighters worked through the morning hours to gain control of the fire, with helicopters hovering overhead for much of the night as crews struggled to contain the flames. Officials said it took hours before firefighters were able to bring the main body of the fire under control, and operations continued into the morning to fully extinguish remaining hot spots. As of the latest update, the fire was still considered active. At around 5:30 a.m., the fire was declared under control, but it later rekindled, prompting another major emergency response. As of the early morning hours, the fire is still not fully extinguished, and firefighters remain on the scene working to put it out. At least one firefighter was injured during the incident and received medical attention at the scene. Three others were also injured; their injuries are reported to be minor, and all are in stable condition. Due to the fire and resulting damage, the neighboring Satmar cheider announced that classes are being relocated today. The Satmar girls’ school is not affected, as it is on Chanukah vacation today. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have not yet released details on how the blaze started or the full extent of the damage to the bakery and surrounding structures. Residents are urged to avoid the area as emergency crews continue to operate on scene.