Brooklyn Fire Today: FDNY Battles Semi-Truck Blaze in Bay Ridge Near Gowanus Expressway

A vehicle fire in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, triggered a major emergency response Saturday afternoon after a semi-truck erupted in flames beneath the Gowanus Expressway.

The incident occurred on September 12, 2026, near 6502 Sixth Avenue, according to information released by the FDNY.

Firefighters were confronted with a burning commercial truck beneath the elevated highway, with thick black smoke visible as crews moved in to extinguish the blaze.

Fire Breaks Out Beneath Gowanus Expressway

The reported fire began shortly before 3 p.m. beneath the Gowanus Expressway.

The location created an additional challenge for emergency personnel because the burning vehicle was positioned beneath a major elevated roadway used by motorists traveling through Brooklyn.

FDNY crews quickly began suppression operations while emergency personnel established control of the scene.

79 Fire and EMS Personnel Respond

The FDNY said 79 fire and EMS personnel were called to the incident.

The large response reflected the need to quickly contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading beyond the vehicle.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze in just over half an hour, according to the latest report.

Truck Left Severely Damaged

After the flames were extinguished, the semi-truck was left heavily charred.

Images and video from the scene showed the extent of the damage to the vehicle and the thick smoke produced during the fire.

There was no immediate indication that the fire spread into surrounding buildings.

No Injuries Confirmed

Authorities reported no injuries associated with the incident.

That update provided some relief as firefighters completed their operations beneath the elevated highway.

Additional information about whether the truck driver or other individuals were present when the fire began was not immediately available.

Cause of Fire Remains Unknown

The circumstances that caused the semi-truck to catch fire remain unknown.

Fire investigators are expected to examine the vehicle and available evidence to determine the origin of the blaze.

No specific cause should be attributed to the fire until officials release confirmed findings.

Bay Ridge Traffic Disruption

The fire’s location beneath the Gowanus Expressway could cause temporary traffic disruption as emergency personnel work around the scene and crews remove the damaged vehicle.

Motorists traveling through Bay Ridge should remain alert and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

The exact duration of any traffic restrictions was not immediately available.

Brooklyn Fire Investigation Continues

The September 12 incident is confirmed as a semi-truck fire beneath the Gowanus Expressway in Bay Ridge.

Current reporting confirms that 79 fire and EMS personnel responded and that no injuries were reported.

While the initial description characterized the incident as a multi-alarm commercial-building fire, that characterization has not been confirmed by current reporting. The available evidence instead identifies the incident as a vehicle fire.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation as authorities continue documenting the incident.