One Year Later: Remembering the Lee Avenue Fire

By Idy Perl

Today, August 20th, marks one year since the infamous 5 alarm inferno on Lee Avenue and Williamsburg East Street that destroyed several stores. 

The fire started in Grill on Lee and quickly spread to another 8 surrounding shops. The fire prompted a large response from FDNY and Hatzolah and resulted in injuries to several firefighters and a paramedic. The firefighters battled the fire for several hours while trying to get it under control. 

Williamsburg residents also remember the massive crowds that filled the nearby streets to watch the blaze. 

A year later, three of the effected stores have reopened in new locations, while the others unfortunately remain closed. 

photos by Dovid Y. Jaroslawicz/JDN