Massive fire destroys Brooklyn artists' building and threatens their work

In a devastating incident, a fire broke out in Red Hook, Brooklyn, just before midnight on September 17, 2025. The incident occurred at a large, four-story commercial building located at 481 Van Brunt Street, near the waterfront. Eyewitnesses reported heavy flames visible for miles. The fire escalated rapidly due to the building's construction, which consists predominantly of heavy timber. Firefighters responded with a four-alarm to five-alarm effort, leading to more than 250 firefighters being deployed to the scene to combat the flames. Initial assessments revealed that two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze. As the fire progressed, residents were advised to close their windows to minimize smoke exposure. The fire led to extensive damage, including roof collapse and severe structural damage to the fourth floor. Fire Chief Kevin Woods stated that due to the size and intensity of the blaze, the firefighting team had to approach the fire from the exterior after evacuating all personnel from the building. Marine units were called in to assist with firefighting efforts, as flames spread toward the surrounding area, causing additional difficulty. Over 24 hours later, as crews continued to work on hot spots, artists and small business owners who relied on the building reported feelings of uncertainty and loss. Many expressed fears that their artwork stored within the building had been destroyed, creating deep concern among the artistic community. According to the property manager, the initial fire was thought to have started on the third floor, where various carpenters had their shops. Local artists described the impact of this loss, citing years of work potentially lost in an instant. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, but as of now, there has been no official word on what sparked it. The Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation, and the response teams are expected to remain on-site to ensure no further hazards emerge. The building's destruction highlights the vulnerabilities faced by communities relying on such shared spaces for creative endeavors and small business operations. The aftermath left dozens of artists in shock, with many unsure of where to turn next as they face significant setbacks to their livelihoods.