NEW YORK — A fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on July 4, 2026, during the city's July Fourth fireworks display. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters, and no injuries were reported.

Flames and a plume of smoke emerged from the bridge as fireworks were being launched from it as part of Macy's July 4 display over the East River. Firefighters doused the flames shortly before 10 p.m.

The New York City Fire Department deployed two fire engines to put out the fire. According to a department spokesperson, such fires are not unexpected, which is why officials maintain a safe distance for crowds during fireworks displays.

Witnesses observed two other sections of the Brooklyn Bridge appearing to burn as the pyrotechnics were being shot from the span. Nearing Khoula, a witness, described initial confusion. "At first I thought it was supposed to happen but then I was scared it would exploded," Khoula said. "I thought the bridge was made of wood so I was scared." Khoula also reported seeing multiple simultaneous fires. "There were four at the same time," Khoula said. "Some extra fireworks exploded due to the fire."

Mohamed Shaban, another witness, noted the intensity of the smoke. "It started as a small fire and got bigger," Shaban stated. "There was too much black smoke." All fires on the Brooklyn Bridge burned out after approximately one minute.

The Brooklyn Bridge had been closed to traffic during the fireworks display. The fireworks display was moved to an earlier time due to the threat of severe weather, which also led to the cancellation or delay of other celebrations along the East Coast.