Fire Breaks Out at Bryant Park Holiday Market

A fire erupted at NYC's Bryant Park holiday market, causing damage but no injuries. The cause was traced to an overheated fryer.

Fire Breaks Out at Bryant Park Holiday Market

A substantial fire broke out on Friday morning, December 27, 2024, at the Bryant Park holiday market, causing significant concern but fortunately no injuries. The flames erupted around 9:20 a.m., originating from a vendor booth called Seapark, which was known for its delicious lobster rolls and seafood fries.

Incident Overview

The fire quickly spread from the Seapark booth to adjacent kiosks, significantly affecting Down the Chimney and 4X4 Burger, leading to a chaotic scene filled with thick smoke and flames. Eyewitness accounts and dramatic videos captured the intense flames shooting from the booth, billowing significant plumes of black smoke visible from various points around Midtown Manhattan.

Fire officials from the FDNY responded swiftly. By 10 a.m., they reported that the fire, which was deemed to be cooking-related and accidental, had been brought under control. Initial investigations revealed that the cause of the fire was an overheated fryer.

FDNY Chief of Battalion 9, Joe Castellano, detailed the situation, stating that despite the chaotic appearance, the damage was minimal. He noted that although there was slight damage to the adjacent kiosks, the fire did not cause significant spreading, just minor heat damage to the roof of an adjacent ice skating rink.

Market Response and Community Impact

In the aftermath of the fire, officials from Bryant Park expressed their gratitude towards the firefighters for their quick response. A spokesperson confirmed that both The Rink and The Lodge remained open following the incident, and most of the holiday shops have reopened with plans for complete service restoration.

“We are grateful for the FDNY's quick response to the incident that occurred earlier today,” the spokesperson stated. “Most of The Holiday Shops have reopened, and we expect all the Holiday Shops that were not affected by the fire to reopen later today.”

This incident comes less than two weeks after a similar fire at another nearby holiday market in Herald Square, which destroyed 18 stalls primarily due to an electrical issue. Castellano reassured the public that these incidents, happening close together, appeared purely coincidental and did not indicate a broader safety concern.

The Importance of Bryant Park's Holiday Market

Bryant Park's holiday market is a beloved seasonal tradition, attracting both tourists and locals alike for unique gifts and delicious food offerings. Open through January 5, this market features around 170 vendors providing a diverse range of products, from artisanal goods to festive treats. Its winter village ambiance, highlighted by the renowned ice skating rink and seasonal attractions, remains a crucial part of New York City's holiday celebrations.

As the market continues its operation, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the festivities while staying informed about safety protocols that ensure a safe shopping environment for everyone.

Conclusion

While this fire incident raised alarms, the prompt response by the emergency services helped minimize damage and ensure public safety. The resilience of venues like Bryant Park highlights the importance of community and safety in festive environments. With the market expected to fully resume operations shortly after this event, it will continue to provide joy and festivity throughout the season.