Fire breaks out on Brooklyn Bridge after Independence Day fireworks

A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on the evening of July 4 during the celebration of the US Independence Day. According to a preliminary assessment by the police, the fire was most likely caused by fireworks launched directly from the pedestrian part of the bridge. There are no reports of injuries.

This is reported by The New York Times.

The first foci of fire appeared shortly after 9:00 pm on the pedestrian part of the Brooklyn Bridge, where the fireworks show was taking place.

According to the New York Police Department:

• The fire was reported at 9:32 pm.
• Firefighters extinguished the fire shortly after 10 pm.
• There were no reports of injuries.

A photographer for The New York Times saw flames in at least four places on the bridge. Firefighters were working in the middle of the crossing after the show ended.

The Brooklyn Bridge remained closed to cars and pedestrians until late in the evening.

Fire breaks out on Brooklyn Bridge following fireworks display https://t.co/sXqV7DqZkM pic.twitter.com/wv7klvc9Z7

— New York Post (@nypost) July 5, 2026

Why did the Brooklyn Bridge catch fire

The New York Police Department said the fire was "very likely" caused by fireworks set off during the holiday show. Final conclusions will be made after the inspection is complete.

Eyewitnesses watching the fireworks from the embankment initially did not understand that there was a real fire on the bridge and perceived the flames as part of the festive program.

"For native New Yorkers, it was obvious that this was not part of the show. This happens rarely, the situation got out of control," said one of the spectators.

Recall that the parade on the occasion of the US Independence Day in Washington was canceled due to extreme heat. On the 250th anniversary of independence, the temperature will reach 43-46 degrees Celsius.

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