NEW YORK – A fire that destroyed several stands at the Bryant Park Holiday Market was accidental, fire officials said Friday afternoon.
According to FDNY fire marshals, the fire was caused by cooking oil coming in contact with combustibles.
Officials said one tent that hosted four separate businesses had been completely burned in the fire.
The stands were completely charred from the fire.
The open-air market, which spans 40th to 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, hosts dozens of artisans from around the world.
Video taken by Eugene McGuire posted on X shows large flames billowing from several stands.
Herald Square fire
Just last week, a fast-moving fire tore through part of the Herald Square holiday market, destroying at least four vendor booths and leaving small business owners devastated.
One firefighter sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
FOX 5 NY spoke with several small business owners who were devasted that there stands had been destroyed.
“I was crying,” said Slivus Duspiva, whose booth, filled with handcrafted ornaments, was reduced to ashes and debris.
Duspiva shared with FOX 5 that his family invested more than $10,000 in rent, hoping holiday sales would cover the cost.
