Part of the Herald Square holiday market was reduced to smoldering ruins on Monday after several booths caught fire, seriously injuring a firefighter.
The FDNY said the fire broke out around 4 a.m., engulfing the holiday shopping corridor on Broadway between West 35th and West 36th Street just after 4 a.m.
Pictures of the devastating scene show many vendors’ booths reduced to rubble, with only their green awnings decorated with garlands still intact.
Sources said four to five market places were affected.
One firefighter suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries while battling the flames and was taken to Tisch Hospital at NYU Langone, the department said.
In total, a dozen FDNY units responded to the scene, including 60 firefighters and EMS personnel.
The fire was brought under control within about an hour and its cause is being investigated.
Run by the company Urbanspace, this market has been open since December 6, offering a variety of handmade gifts, artisan products and festive gifts. According to its website,
“We are sad to report that a fire broke out this morning on the north side of our Herald Holiday Market at Broadway and 36th Street, resulting in the destruction of several small merchandise booths,” UrbanSpace said in a statement. “This is a devastating moment for our Market family, especially at a time when the holiday season should be full of joy.”
“We are actively working with local authorities to determine the cause of the fire and ensure that the site is safe for the remaining vendors and visitors to other parts of the market.”
The company said it is working to help every seller affected by the early morning fire.
According to UrbanSpace, unaffected areas of the Holiday Market between 34th and 35th streets will remain open.
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