Overview
- A fire started at a commercial building at 135 North 5th Street in Williamsburg and spread among three adjoining restaurants, including longtime neighborhood eatery Juliette.
- The blaze drew a four‑alarm response and more than a hundred FDNY personnel who battled heavy flames and smoke during the Saturday evening dinner rush.
- About 30–35 minutes into operations crews experienced a smoke explosion and a localized roof collapse that prompted a Mayday and a temporary withdrawal of firefighters.
- Six FDNY members suffered minor injuries and were treated or taken to hospitals; no patrons or other civilians were reported hurt and flames were placed under control later that night.
- The Department of Buildings is on scene to assess structural integrity while fire marshals continue an active investigation into the origin and cause of the explosion and blaze, which remain undetermined.