New York’s Brooklyn Bridge caught fire in multiple places during Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, part of the NYC America 250 Independence Day celebrations.
The massive pyrotechnic show, marking the 50th anniversary of the Macy’s event, featured fireworks launched directly from the historic bridge as well as barges in the East River.
The event drew massive crowds to ticketed viewing areas in Brooklyn Bridge Park and along the waterfront.
Flames and plumes of black smoke were visible as fireworks were still being launched.
Videos posted to social media captured the dramatic scenes in real time.
WATCH:
Fire breaks out on Brooklyn Bridge following fireworks display https://t.co/sXqV7DqZkM pic.twitter.com/wv7klvc9Z7
— New York Post (@nypost) July 5, 2026
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Bridge briefly caught fire during New York City’s Independence Day fireworks show.
Video captured flames and thick smoke rising from multiple sections of the bridge as fireworks continued exploding overhead.
The fires were extinguished within about a… pic.twitter.com/9c6khKQaUP
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 5, 2026
Brooklyn Bridge. Happy fourth 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nhyMxUgrZ8
— Rob Henderson (@robkhenderson) July 5, 2026
Fire on the Brooklyn Bridge during the fireworks display. pic.twitter.com/HqG8US81Ke
— Lenore Riegel (@lenoreriegel) July 5, 2026
one of the the bridge is in fire🔥🔥🔥 eeother Manhattan or Brooklyn bridge ! @News12B @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/8NAJfDh3UC
— Richard Mothra (@K9great84) July 5, 2026
JUST IN: Fire seen on NYC’s Brooklyn Bridge during the 4th of July fireworks show. pic.twitter.com/v67XX1uCFg
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) July 5, 2026
One video showed large amounts of black smoke billowing from a burning section of the bridge as fireworks exploded around it.
Other footage showed multiple points of ignition appearing almost simultaneously, with emergency lights flashing and responders in high-visibility vests rushing in to douse the flames with water.
The fires were small and burned out within about a minute after FDNY crews arrived on scene, and no injuries have been reported so far.
The cause of the mishap remains unknown at this point, but the fact that fireworks were launched from the bridge itself has raised obvious questions about safety on a 140-year-old national landmark.
The extent of damage to the bridge structure remains unclear, and city officials have not yet released any detailed updates.
