Several NYC Businesses Destroyed in Five-Alarm Blaze

Aug. 21, 2023
Firefighters used saws to cut through security gates to gain access.

FDNY investigators are trying to determine the cause of a blaze in the Williamsburg area that destroyed at least nine businesses on Sunday.

The flames appeared to have started in a chocolate shop and spread to other stores including a toy store and a kebab grill, ABC7 reported. 

At least 10 firefighters suffered minor injuries as they operated in extreme heat.

"We used saws to cut the gates and we were able to get in. They had heavy fire throughout the building by the time they got inside. It was a challenging fire," FDNY Chief John Hodgens told reporters.

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