Saturday's parting shot

A look at the SE corner of Second Avenue and Seventh Street this evening after the fire...

A heartbreaking look at what's left of Middle Collegiate Church

Thank you to Billy the Artist for sharing these photos of the fire-damaged Middle Collegiate Church on Second Avenue between Sixth Street and Seventh Street...

The displaced residents of the Hopper House on 2nd Avenue need help with donations

See update at the end of the post about clothing donations!

The early morning fire on Seventh Street and Second Avenue also displaced the residents of the Women's Prison Association at the landmarked Hopper House at 110 Second Ave. 

An estimated 22 residents were forced to flee the building early this morning without any of their possessions. Local Assemblymember Harvey Epstein is spearheading donations for the residents, who are temporarily staying at 347 E. 10th St. at Avenue B. New or gently used women's clothing and toiletries will be appreciated — as well as gift cards (CVS and Target were cited). 

Olga Rodriguez, who works for the advocacy organization dating here to 1845 devoted to women with criminal backgrounds, told CBS New York that the fire took over the shelter "in minutes." 

"It was very scary, and the ladies were running in their slippers, in their bathrobes, in their pajamas. They were sleeping," she said, adding that she's not sure what will happen if the building is deemed unsafe. "These ladies have gone through a lot," she said. "They don't need to go through this, too." 

Diana McHugh, director of communications for the association, told CBS News that everyone is OK, but women had to leave behind personal belongings, including phones and clothes. 

And... 

The women, who were soaking wet from standing in the rain this morning after being evacuated, have been temporarily relocated to a nearby family shelter in Alphabet City. 

Residents at the family shelter provided the women with food, blankets and dryers for their clothes. McHugh said, however, that the association is expecting high costs because of the fire. 

"We'll be OK, but it will certainly have an impact on us, especially mid-pandemic. This has already been a very difficult time for our residents, just from a safety perspective and a mental health perspective."

We await news on the structural integrity and the extent of smoke damage to our beloved Hopper Home. pic.twitter.com/FUZX1iryau

— Women's Prison Association (WPA) (@WPA_NYC) December 5, 2020

Updated 12/6

They've received plenty of clothing donations... donations and gift cards are welcome now...

We are also in awe of the neighbors who poured in with clothing. We thankfully and respectfully decline any more – as you can see, you have taken great care of us in this way! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xKvzP3Hf7C

— Women's Prison Association (WPA) (@WPA_NYC) December 5, 2020

Statement from City Councilmember Carlina Rivera on this morning's fire on 2nd Avenue

Local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera released this statement about this morning's fire on Seventh Street and Second Avenue ... which provides more details on damage to surrounding buildings:

Today, the East Village community is devastated and heartbroken at learning of the six-alarm fire that damaged or destroyed at least three buildings along 2nd Avenue between East 7th and East 6th Streets. 

Two of the buildings — Middle Collegiate Church, which appears to have been devastated, and the Women's Prison Association (WPA)'s Hopper House, which received smoke damage and other possible effects — are pillars of our community. We do not know the cause of the fire, which remains under active investigation. 

We hold the firefighters who were injured in the blaze in our thoughts, and I want to thank all the first responders who risked their lives to extinguish this fire. While I am thankful that no deaths have been reported, my heart is so very broken for the victims of this tragedy, who have been generational leaders in our community for social justice and equality.

My office is working closely with the FDNY, OEM, NYPD, DOB, and all other relevant agencies as they continue to assess the damage to 47 E. 7th St. (which was vacated earlier this year), Middle Collegiate Church, and the Hopper House. I promise that we will ensure this incident is investigated thoroughly.

We are also working to ensure that the 22 women who were residing at the Hopper House, and had to evacuate to WPA’s nearby family shelter, are provided with stable housing options and support. Donations to Middle Collegiate Church and WPA can be made at www.middlechurch.org/donate and www.wpaonline.org/donate, respectively.  

Middle Collegiate Church is one of the great, landmark institutions of our community, having served the New York City for almost 400 years and for over a century providing the East Village with spiritual and physical resources. They've taken care of so many during our City's darkest moments, from 9/11, to Superstorm Sandy, to the 2nd Avenue Explosion. 

And the Women’s Prison Association has provided housing, employment, and assistance for justice involved women for generations. The damage this fire has caused goes far beyond the structural effects alone.

But we know that our East Village community is strong and we will be there beside them every step of this recovery, however we can. As we begin this difficult work, I am inspired by the words of Middle Collegiate Church's Rev. Jacqui Lewis — someone who I’ve considered a close friend and adviser for many years — when she said this morning that "no fire can stop Revolutionary Love." I will take that spirit into my heart in the coming days and weeks as we continue our response and recovery.

Photo credit: FDNY Response Videos

'No fire can stop Revolutionary Love'

The Rev. Jacqui Lewis, senior minister at the Middle Collegiate Church, responded on Twitter to the devastating fire that badly damaged the historic church this morning.

We are devastated and crushed that our beloved physical sanctuary at Middle Collegiate Church has burned.

And yet no fire can stop Revolutionary Love. pic.twitter.com/R8D3NVjAiY

— Rev. Jacqui Lewis, PhD (@RevJacquiLewis) December 5, 2020

And from the Church's account...

Thanks to everyone for your support. It means so very much in our overwhelming grief.

The Church is not a building, but buildings matter. This is home.

We’ll have more to say in the days to come, but here’s the link for anyone looking to donate.https://t.co/Rtb3odKP9d

— Middle Church (@middlechurch) December 5, 2020

For anyone interested in making a donation, here's a link. 

The fire started next door in the currently vacant building on the corner. The cause is under investigation. 

Published reports say that the church, built in 1891, has been destroyed. A commanding officer for the FDNY told Sen. Brad Hoylman that the "structure may not stand."   

Photo by 7th Street Neighbor

Updating: Fire engulfs southeast corner of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue; Middle Collegiate Church destroyed

Updated 11 a.m and 2 p.m. The FDNY is investigating the cause of the fire. There are published reports that four firefighters suffered minor injuries. This link has reaction from Middle Collegiate Church officials. Here's a statement from local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera... and an update from the FDNY.

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The FDNY is responding to a four-alarm (now five) fire at the southeast corner of Seventh Street and Second Avenue ... early reports (the first came in at 4:30 a.m.) is that the fire has destroyed the currently vacant 48 E. Seventh St. — the site of another blaze back in February. 

Early reports indicate that the fire has spread to the neighboring Middle Collegiate Church... no injuries have been reported...

4-alarm fire in 2nd Ave and 7 Street #EastVillage inside a vacant building and spreads to Middle Collegiate Church. FD reports no injuries and operations ongoing—live report at 6a. @evgrieve pic.twitter.com/qiK5c3H3OI

— 𝐌𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐍. 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 (@MylesMill) December 5, 2020

... other videos show the church engulfed in flames...

Woken by smoke and embers - Middle Collegiate Church burns in East Village - devastating. Was fire next door last Feb that gutted building on E7th St. pic.twitter.com/H4XUgnsC4R

— Revolting Lesbians (@RevoltingDykes) December 5, 2020

From my roof:@middlechurch fire, 5:30am #eastvillagenyc pic.twitter.com/4kTqraiiAU

— Duke Todd (@DukeToddIsAlive) December 5, 2020

Check back for more updates... 

Top photo by EVG reader 2ndAvenueSilverPanther

Updated 9 a.m. 

Back from the scene... the fire is under control... and now you can begin to see the extent of the damage...

Updated 10 a.m. A 7th Street neighbor shared these photos...

... and from Alexander Romanovich...

Updated 10:15 a.m. There are now concerns that the church, erected in 1891, may not stand...

On scene at devastating fire at Middle Collegiate Church, which is completely gutted.

Can’t help but think of comparisons to Notre Dame fire.

Tiffany stained glass windows destroyed.

Commanding officer told me structure may not stand.

Investigators on scene. pic.twitter.com/8uyC7YPU52

— Senator Brad Hoylman (@bradhoylman) December 5, 2020

Report of a fire yesterday at 138 1st Ave.

Early yesterday morning, the FDNY responded to a report of a fire at 138 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street...

MAN ALL HANDS 138 1 AVE, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE ON 1ST FLR, UNDER CONTROL

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 13, 2020

EVG reader Linda, who shared the top photo taken yesterday afternoon, noted that the FDNY arrived around 5:40 a.m.
"There were no flames and really no apparent smoke. But they spent 45 minutes on the roof via two hook & ladders," she said.

One building source said that it was an electrical fire, starting in the courtyard area in the rear of the building.

As of last night, East Village Wines, the retail tenant, was back open with some temporary lighting and a smokey aroma.


[Photo yesterday by Steven]

No word on the tenants. As you can see, windows on the upper floors have been boarded up...


[Photo today by Steven]

Activity at the fire-damaged Cafe Mocha

This past week, workers covered up the windows at Cafe Mocha, which was wiped out by the three-alarm fire on Feb. 10 at 48 E. Seventh St./116 Second Ave.

Workers were also spotted removing debris from the retail space as well as the rest of the building (thanks to Steven for the photos on Friday)...



There is a full vacate on the property, though the city is allowing emergency work, including sealing the roof.

Cafe Mocha has taken a hopeful approach about possibly reopening. A sign on the door and a message on their Instagram account thanks neighbors and customers for their loyalty through the years.




[Photo from Feb. 15]

Meanwhile, on Seventh Street, the Italian restaurant Via Della Pace was also damaged. In an Instagram post on Feb. 11, management said that they were unsure whether they'd continue on with the business.

Based on the 300-plus comments on the post, many patrons hope to see them back.



The cause of the fire is under investigation. Five firefighters were treated for minor injuries. None of the residents were said to be injured. One tenant of the building said on an EVG Facebook post that "all tenants and animals are safe and sound."

And no word on any type of crowdfunding campaigns for the displaced residents. Please let me know if you hear of any.

Fire temporarily closes Gyu-Kaku on Cooper Square

A small fire inside Gyu-Kaku on Cooper Square Thursday evening has temporarily ko'd the restaurant.



The official FDNY Twitter feed puts the fire at just before 8 p.m. The FDNY had the fire under control in 20-plus minutes...

MAN ALL HANDS 34 COOPER SQ, COMMERCIAL FIRE ON FIRST FLR,

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) September 5, 2019

MAN ALL HANDS 34 COOPER SQ, COMMERCIAL FIRE ON FIRST FLR, UNDER CONTROL

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) September 6, 2019

No word on where the fire started. The Citizen app mentioned the fire started on a table. (That information has not been verified.)



Gyu-Kaku is a chain of Japanese yakiniku restaurants specializing in barbecue that diners can prepare at their tables. As the sign on the door notes, their Midtown locations are open.

Reader mailbag: 'Ever hear sirens and wonder?'

On Monday night, there was a report of a fire in an apartment at 70 E. Seventh St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Thankfully the damage was minimal, though the tenant had to temporarily relocate.

This incident prompted a building resident to share this public service announcement:

If you were home, it was scary. Smoke. Flames. Lots of firefighters.

There is only one fire extinguisher (by the trash) for the entire building, which is basically all wood construction with a brick shell. One kitchen accident, faulty appliance, overloaded outlet or untended candle – and it all goes.

Even if the fire is small, smoke and water damage would make at least half or all of the building inhabitable. Bye-bye apartment.

Picture coming home to everything gone or evacuating in minutes (like those of us who were home thought we might have to Monday night) and not being permitted to return, and you know it’s time to — get a fire extinguisher for your apartment!

Saifee Hardware, First Avenue at Seventh Street, has a good selection ... as well as Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Amazon, etc.

Residents believe a faulty hot plate was the culprit for the fire scare, which led the resident to offer another tip: Check outlets, stove and unplug appliances — like hot plates — not is use.

Report of a fire at 505 E. 13th St.

An EVG reader shares the above photo... the FDNY is responding to a report of a fire at 505 E. 13th St. at Avenue A...

MAN ALL HANDS 505 E 13TH ST, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE APT G2/2ND FLR,

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 29, 2019

One witness says "smoke is pouring out of the top floor apartment on the back right side of the building." The retail space on this corner is currently vacant (the former Percy's Tavern).


[Photo by Christine Champagne]

The @fdnyalerts account reports that the fire was under control in less than 30 minutes...

MAN ALL HANDS 505 E 13TH ST, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE APT G2/2ND FLR, UNDER CONTROL

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 29, 2019

No word on cause or extent of the damage just yet.

H/T dwg

[Updated] 2 reports of fires today

• 219 Avenue B between 13th Street and 14th Street. A fire broke out in the rear of the storefront this afternoon here that houses Revision Lounge. (Thanks to EVG reader @MerMerJ for the photos!)



According to Patch, about 12 units and more than 60 firefighters responded to the scene, where they had it under control in 45 minutes. One firefighter reportedly suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Updated:

It's bad. The patio is destroyed and the back of the lounge has major damage. No one in building was hurt. Smoke is dissipating. Power is back on.

— Revision Lounge (@Revisionlounge) March 19, 2019

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• 340 E. 13th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. There were reports of a fire in an fifth-floor apartment here tonight on this block...

MAN ALL HANDS 340 E 13 ST, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE ON 5TH FLR,

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 18, 2019

MAN ALL HANDS 340 E 13 ST, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE ON 5TH FLR, UNDER CONTROL

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) March 19, 2019

Not much information at the moment about the fire ... here are some reader photos...


[Peter M./East Village]


[Peter M./East Village]

Updated:

EVG reader Jen Pace shared this footage...

Report of a fire at 93 E. 7th St.; Luke's Lobster temporarily closed for several weeks

[Photo last night by Lauralynn]

The FDNY responded to a report of a fire on the fifth floor of 93 E. Seventh St. just east of First Avenue last evening. (Eden tweeted about it here.)

EVG correspondent Steven shared these photos from this morning...





Luke's Lobster is the retail tenant on the ground floor...



The fire (obviously) caused them to close early last night. No word on the extent of the damage in the building... and to the restaurant. There weren't any reports of injuries.



Luke's will be closed for the next few weeks... [Updated 1/6 — Luke's is back open!]

Due to a fire in the building (everyone’s ok), our #eastvillage shack will be closed for the next couple of weeks to fix the damage. Stay tuned here for further updates, and check us out on #UniversityPlace in #UnionSquare to get your fix. 🦞

— Luke's Lobster (@LukesLobster) December 28, 2018

This is the second fire this week to temporarily close a restaurant. Fiaschetteria Pistoia is currently closed following a fire Sunday night at 647 E. 11th St. at Avenue C.

In September 2016, a fire broke after inside the Caracas Arepa Bar next door to Luke's at 93 1/2 E. Seventh St. The owners decided not to reopen the restaurant.

After fire, Fiaschetteria Pistoia closed until January

A late-night fire on Dec. 23 has put Fiaschetteria Pistoia out of commission until at least next month.

A sign arrived on the Italian restaurant's door on 11th Street at Avenue C... noting a closure for renovations.

FDNY officials said that the fire's cause is under investigation. There weren't any reports of injuries.

The restaurant opened in early 2017 via Emanuele Bugiani, whose family owns Fiaschetteria La Pace in Pistoia, a trattoria 30 kilometers northwest of Florence, per Eater.

Thanks to Stacie Joy for the photo!

Report of a fire at 647 E. 11th St.

There was a report of a fire last night at 647 E. 11th St. at Avenue C.

The FDNY Twitter feed ID'd the fire in the ground-floor restaurant, which is Fiaschetteria Pistoia.

MAN ALL HANDS 647 E 11 ST, MIXED OCCUPANCY FIRE ON 1ST FLR RESTAURANT,

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) December 24, 2018

EVG regular Jose Garcia shared the photos in this post at 10:30 p.m.

The FDNY declared the situation under control at 11:30...

MAN ALL HANDS 647 E 11 ST, MIXED OCCUPANCY FIRE ON 1ST FLR RESTAURANT, UNDER CONTROL

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) December 24, 2018

Jose reported a heavy FDNY response to the scene, which you can see in this aerial view...

Something is happening on Avenue C.@evgrieve #EastVillage pic.twitter.com/MVXWEvmz3m

— Evan Kapitansky (@evan_kapitansky) December 24, 2018

There isn't any word at the moment regarding injuries or the extent of the damage or the cause of the fire.

Updated 12/24

A sign on the door notes a January return...


[Photo by Stacie Joy]