A fire has broken out on the Brooklyn Bridge after a fireworks display for the Fourth of July celebrations in New York, according to eyewitnesses and livestream footage. The blaze appeared to start following the spectacular show on Saturday night, with workers in hi-vis jackets seen attempting to extinguish the flames.
A livestream of the fireworks display captured the fire burning on the bridge, and reports online suggested that the show was halted while crews worked to put out the blaze. Flashing emergency lights were visible near the fire, and water was seen being directed at the flames.
Fire Location and Response
The fire is understood to be on the side of the East River. It is not yet clear what started the fire or how much damage has been caused to the iconic structure. Emergency crews are responding as officials work to determine the cause and assess the situation.
One eyewitness said: "Oh no! During the NYC America250 Independence Day fireworks celebration, reports emerged that part of the Brooklyn Bridge appeared to be on fire." Another added: "The fireworks are over, but there appears to be a fire on the Brooklyn Bridge."
Severe Weather Disrupts Washington Celebrations
Meanwhile, in Washington, severe weather disrupted celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary of independence. Storms prompted a roughly two-hour evacuation of the National Mall. President Donald Trump said he will still speak there later Saturday night.
“I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th,” Trump said in a social media post announcing his plans to still deliver a speech, which was expected to begin around 11pm local time.
