Manhattan Holiday Market Fires Were Preventable, FDNY Says

Recent fires at the Bryant Park Winter Village and Herald Square holiday market have exposed alarming fire hazards at these seasonal attractions. According to the FDNY, dangerous wiring, illegal propane tanks, and makeshift commercial kitchens in combustible sheds led to two separate fires in December—one of which nearly spread to the Bryant Park ice-skating rink. While authorities and market operators are pledging reforms for next season, these incidents highlight serious fire safety failures that put lives and property at risk.

Thankfully, no one was injured in these incidents. However, in similar fires, victims can suffer severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. When negligence leads to such disasters, victims and their families may have legal options to seek compensation for their suffering.

Who Is Responsible for These Fires?

Under New York law, property owners, event organizers, and vendors all have a duty to ensure safe conditions for the public. If your business suffered losses due to these fires, multiple parties could be liable, including:

Urbanspace, the company that operates these holiday markets, for failing to implement proper fire prevention measures.
Property owners for permitting hazardous setups on their premises.
Vendors who violated fire codes with illegal propane tanks or unsafe electrical wiring.

What Were the Violations?

According to the FDNY, the Bryant Park fire was caused by a cooking mishap in a 40-foot-long food kiosk with no fire-extinguishing system. The Herald Square fire, which spread due to high winds, was linked to faulty electrical wiring—firefighters later discovered illegally stored propane tanks, one of which exploded on-site. These hazardous conditions should have never been allowed in a high-traffic public space.

Legal Options for Victims of Similar Fires

While these recent fires did not result in injuries, similar incidents can have devastating consequences. Victims of fire-related injuries may have legal grounds to file personal injury claims, seeking compensation for:

Medical expenses for burn treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages due to time away from work.
Pain and suffering resulting from physical and emotional trauma.
Wrongful death claims for families who lose loved ones in preventable fires.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

The FDNY has already issued violations in connection with these fires. However, citations alone won’t fully compensate those who suffer losses. At our law firm, we have decades of experience fighting for fire accident victims and businesses affected by preventable blazes. If fire hazards cause injuries or financial damages, you deserve justice.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Do not wait—New York has strict deadlines for filing claims related to fire-related damages.

As experienced New York City fire accident attorneys, we are dedicated to representing victims and businesses affected by preventable fires. If you or a loved one were impacted by a fire, call us today to protect your rights.