Fire marshals are investigating the cause of a fire that ripped through part of the Herald Holiday Market in Midtown early Monday morning.
FDNY personnel responded to the market, located outside Macy’s Herald Square location, to find heavy fire rapidly spreading from booth to booth just after 4 a.m. on Dec. 16. Hazmat Company 1 removed several propane cylinders from the fire area.
According to Fire Department sources, personnel had trouble gaining access to working hydrants in the area — but once they gained access to a hydrant, they were able to knock down the main body of fire with three hose lines. The blaze was placed under control at 5:07 a.m.
One firefighter suffered serious injuries while battling the fire and was transported to NYU Langone Tisch-Hospital for treatment, FDNY sources reported.
As of 9 a.m., FDNY marshals were seen sifting the collapsed section of burned-out and charred debris as they sought answers as to how the fire started, and why it spread so quickly. Security workers taped off the area with large blackout sheets late Monday morning.
Though Macy’s does not have an exact timetable on when the market as a whole will reopen, Urbanspaces, the producer of the holiday market, told amNewYork Metro in a statement that the unaffected areas of the Herald Holiday Market at 34th and 35th Streets will soon reopen for business.
“This is a devastating moment for our market family, especially during what should be a joyful holiday season,” said Urbanspaces in a statement to amNewYork Metro. “We are actively working with local officials to determine the cause of the fire and ensure the site is secure and safe for the rest of the vendors and visitors to other parts of the market. Our commitment to supporting the incredible small business vendors who make this market special remains unwavering.”
Urbanspsaces it is working with “each impacted vendor to explore ways to help them during this critical time.”
Meanwhile, tourists in the Herald Square area on Monday morning lamented the damage to what has become a vital part of the holiday season in the neighborhood.
“This is absolutely terrible. It is a holiday staple. My heart goes to all those small businesses impacted,” Beth Clark, a Texas resident visiting NYC, told amNewYork Metro.
Tourist Roger McGuinness added, “My family and I always make it a point to stop here during the holidays. This is very upsetting.”
