BROOKLYN (VINnews) — A massive five-alarm fire tore through an industrial warehouse in the Sunset Park section of New York City early Wednesday, sending flames and thick smoke into the night sky and causing one building to collapse.
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The blaze began shortly after midnight at a soda and potato chip distribution warehouse operated by Universal Food Distributors at 17 53rd St. and First Avenue, officials said. The fire spread to two nearby factory buildings along the waterfront.
More than 250 firefighters and EMS personnel from the New York City Fire Department responded to the scene. Officials said crews were pouring about 15,000 gallons of water per minute onto the flames.
Because the site sits near the waterfront, firefighters were able to draw water directly from the harbor and pump it onto the fire, which helped crews sustain the heavy water flow needed to battle the blaze.
BREAKING: A massive 5-Alarm fire is burning out of control at a large commercial warehouse near 53rd St & 1st Ave in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. @FDNY reports the 600×100 two-story structure is fully involved, with crews operating defensively using tower ladders while marine units set… pic.twitter.com/aCQAiGFAq9
— NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) March 11, 2026
One of the main buildings collapsed as the fire intensified, and officials warned that additional structural failures were possible as crews continued working to contain the flames.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Two firefighters were treated for minor smoke inhalation, authorities said.