How Did 6 People Die in a House Fire in Brooklyn?
Six people were killed and nine others injured when a fire tore through a two-story row house in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighbourhood early on Thursday 5 November 2026. More than 200 firefighters and other first responders were sent to the blaze, which was burning on every floor when crews arrived. The nine people who were injured were expected to survive, including three firefighters.
What happened in Sunset Park, Brooklyn?
- The fire broke out early on Thursday 5 November 2026 in a two-story row house in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighbourhood, New York.
- Six people were killed and nine others were injured, including three firefighters.
- More than 200 first responders were sent to the scene.
- "Upon arrival, we had fire on every floor," Kevin Woods, the New York Fire Department's chief of fire operations, said at a news conference.
- Firefighters rescued four people, getting through a rear entrance of the two-unit home to reach them.
- The fire was brought under control in about three hours, and eight people were displaced.
- The New York Post reported that at least one child was among the dead and that more people remained unaccounted for at the time.
What caused the fire?
- Fire marshals were still investigating the cause of the fire.
- A lithium-ion battery was found in the home, and debris including an e-bike was visible at the scene.
- The home was built in 1915, according to city property records.
- City inspectors had visited the building several times, including in August, but were unable to gain access.
Why lithium-ion batteries are a concern in New York
- Last week, an e-bike battery fire killed four people in the Bronx.
- It was among more than 400 fires in New York City this year caused by lithium-ion batteries, according to the Associated Press.
- The scale of the Brooklyn blaze — six deaths — was unusually high for a home fire, the AP reported.
What officials said
- "This was a devastating fire," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at the news conference.
- The U.S. Fire Administration says at least 1,555 people have died in home fires this year.
- Last month, five people, including four children, died in a mobile home fire in Canton, Texas.
What happens next
- Fire marshals are continuing to investigate the cause of the Brooklyn fire.
- Officials were still working to account for everyone who had been in the home, and the identities of the victims had not been released in the reports seen so far.
Frequently asked questions
How many people died in the Brooklyn house fire?
Six people were killed and nine others were injured, including three firefighters.
Where did the fire happen?
In a two-story row house in the Sunset Park neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York.
When did the fire happen?
Early on Thursday 5 November 2026. The fire was brought under control in about three hours.
What caused the fire?
The cause was still under investigation. A lithium-ion battery was found in the home.
How many firefighters responded?
More than 200 first responders were sent to the blaze.
What is the emergency number in the United States?
Dial 911 for police, fire and ambulance.
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