Brooklyn, NY (February 23, 2026) – A three-alarm fire in East Flatbush sent five people to the hospital on Friday, February 20, after flames tore through a mixed-use building on Church Avenue.
Fire officials said the blaze broke out around 10:30 p.m. inside a building located at the 3322 block of Church Avenue. The building includes a storefront on the ground level with several apartments above it. The first firefighters on scene found heavy fire inside a third-floor apartment, and flames briefly pushed through the roof.
An eyewitness reported seeing bright orange flames shooting from the roof and ceiling shortly after stepping outside. The fire quickly drew a large emergency response. More than 170 firefighters arrived and began an aggressive interior attack to stop the spread of the flames.
Crews worked inside the building to contain the main body of the fire. They brought the situation under control just before midnight. During the response, firefighters rescued multiple people from the structure.
Officials confirmed that five residents suffered injuries in the fire. Paramedics took all five victims to local hospitals, where doctors listed them in stable condition. Authorities have not released details about the extent of their injuries.
The New York Fire Department is now reviewing what caused the blaze and examining the building for safety concerns. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the injured residents as they continue their recovery.
How Insurance Claims Work After a Residential Fire in New York
Insurance claims after a residential fire in New York usually begin when the property owner or tenant notifies their insurance company about the damage. The insurer then opens a claim, assigns an adjuster, and reviews the losses to determine what the policy may cover.
Coverage often depends on the terms of the homeowner’s or renter’s policy and the documented extent of the damage.
After a serious fire, families often face property loss, temporary relocation costs, and medical bills. Homeowners insurance may cover structural damage and certain personal belongings, while renters insurance can help replace damaged items inside an apartment.
In some cases, policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses if residents must stay elsewhere during repairs.
The claims process usually requires detailed documentation. Policyholders often need to provide photos, receipts, repair estimates, and medical records if injuries occurred. Insurance adjusters may inspect the property to evaluate structural damage and confirm the cause of the fire.
Disputes sometimes arise over the value of damaged property or the scope of coverage. A personal injury attorney can review insurance documents, explain policy language, and clarify what options may be available. Legal guidance may also help if a third party’s actions contributed to the fire or if injuries led to additional financial losses.
If you suffered injuries or property damage in a residential fire in New York, we can provide information about your legal options. Our team at Metro Law has experience reviewing fire-related injury cases and insurance questions across New York.
We can explain how medical expenses, property losses, and insurance claims may apply to your situation. To learn more, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our legal team about your circumstances.
Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.