Two-Alarm Fire Along Myrtle Avenue In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JULY 23, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Two-Alarm Fire Along Myrtle Avenue In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn 
Manhole Exploded Due To A Basement Fire Along Commercial Strip

(New York, NY)— On July 23, 2013 around 11:30 a.m., a manhole near 463 Myrtle Avenue began smoking, and shortly after exploded. The explosion is believed to be due to a two-alarm fire in the basement of a nearby restaurant along Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The Fire Department arrived shortly, and evacuated seven surrounding buildings along Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues. Two 3-story mixed commercial and residential buildings along the strip sustained minor damage from the explosion. Those nearby reported hearing the blast, and smelling a sulfur-like odor at the scene. An estimated thirty people were temporarily evacuated due to high carbon monoxide readings, however no injuries have been reported at this time.

“I thank the FDNY, the NYPD, and Con Edison for their quick response to the explosion, and I am deeply relieved that no one was seriously injured,” said Council Member Letitia James.

The Red Cross has offered assistance to those affected by the blast, and at this time streets have been closed along Myrtle Avenue from Clinton Street to Hall Street, Washington Avenue from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, and Waverly Avenue from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. Additionally, the B54 bus has been temporarily re-routed.


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ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

The next Fort Greene Association meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 22nd at 7:30PM will include forum of sorts on cost of living increases in the Fort Greene area.

Pratt Area Community Council and NYCHA reps will be on-hand to answer questions. All FG residents are welcome.

Monday, February 22, 2010
7:30PM (refreshments will be out at 7PM)
Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford Street
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
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Join the 57th Assembly District Democratic Organization, District Leader Olanike Alabi and the Clinton Hill AARP- Chapter 2197--

In a community forum on Fire Safety presented by the Fire Department of New York. Joint carbon monoxide and smoke detectors will be distributed at the event. Please note that the second half of the meeting will be a community conversation on the race for New York State Governor and United States Senator.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue
(between Gates Avenue & Greene Avenue)
6:00pm
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The Civic & Public Safety Committee of Brooklyn Community Board #3 will host a community presentation in conjunction with Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes on Sexual Predators.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
6:00pm
Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
1368 Fulton Street
(between Brooklyn Avenue & New York Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

For more information you may call Ms. Saadia Adossa at 718.250.3370.

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TONIGHT: End the Cradle to Prison Pipeline with a candlelight vigil at the

Brooklyn House of Detention
February 17, 2010
6:00pm- 8:00pm
275 Atlantic Avenue

Please bring a photo of a loved one that is in prison and a white candle. For more information you may reach out to Rev. Sylvia Kinard, Esq. at sylvknrd@aol.com.