The Brooklyn Bridge briefly caught fire during a Fourth of July fireworks display that celebrated the United States' 250th anniversary.
At approximately 9:32 p.m., thick black smoke erupted from the East River crossing, and four separate fires appeared on the bridge’s launch platforms.
Firefighters extinguished the blazes by 10:00 p.m., after which the bridge was closed to traffic for an additional 30 minutes.
Investigators believe the pyrotechnics were the most likely source of the ignition, though the bridge’s structural steel remained unharmed.
No injuries were reported and all spectators were safely escorted away from the affected area.
Witnesses described the sudden outbreak of smoke and the fear that the bridge could explode, noting that the flames appeared to spread from the fireworks launch sites.
The event featured roughly 85,000 fireworks launched over the park surrounding the bridge, a figure that matches the largest pyrotechnic displays in recent history.
Across the country, the nation's largest Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C. faced severe thunderstorms, prompting temporary evacuation of the National Mall and a brief pause in the presidential rally.
Despite the disruptions, the fireworks display proceeded, underscoring the resilience of the holiday’s traditions amid unpredictable weather.
