A popular holiday market in Manhattan’s Bryant Park was disrupted Friday morning when a fire broke out, damaging at least four shops and the roof of an adjacent ice skating rink. The incident, caused by an overheated fryer, has been ruled accidental. No injuries were reported as firefighters swiftly contained the flames, allowing the market to reopen most of its attractions by the afternoon.
The blaze started around 9 a.m. at the Seapark booth, a seafood vendor, before spreading to other shops, including eateries Down the Chimney and 4X4 Burger. Fire officials credited their rapid response with minimizing further damage at Bryant Park Winter Village, a popular open-air holiday destination that attracts visitors from around the globe. The market typically opens to the public at 11 a.m., but reports suggest it was operating earlier when the fire began.
“We are grateful for the FDNY’s quick response to the incident that occurred earlier today,” a spokesperson for Bryant Park said. “The Rink and The Lodge are currently open, and most of The Holiday Shops have reopened. We expect all unaffected shops to resume operations later today.” The Winter Village remains a central draw for tourists and locals, offering hundreds of vendors and festive experiences until January 5.
This marks the second fire to impact a Manhattan holiday market in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, an electrical issue caused a blaze at a Herald Square market, damaging 18 stalls. The incidents have raised concerns about safety measures at these densely packed seasonal attractions, which are typically equipped with temporary infrastructure to accommodate vendors.
Despite the disruption, vendors and organizers expressed resilience and determination to continue offering holiday cheer to visitors. “It’s been a tough day, but the spirit of the season and the hard work of everyone involved will keep the market thriving,” one shop owner remarked. As Bryant Park’s Winter Village rebounds, the community has rallied to restore the festive atmosphere that makes it a cherished New York City tradition.
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