Hancock Street fire in Bushwick displaces 11 and empties three buildings

A two-alarm fire at 987 Hancock St. in Bushwick displaced 11 people early Monday, Oct. 5. The blaze spread to two neighboring buildings, and city inspectors ordered all three emptied.

The FDNY began getting calls shortly after midnight. Flames moved through all four floors of the building and into the cockloft, then into the buildings on either side. By 1:17 a.m., the fire had been raised to a second alarm.

What happened at 987 Hancock Street

Residents ran into the street wearing only what they had on, carrying their children and pets. “I smelled all of this smoke, I thought it was my apartment on fire,” said resident Parcilla Sanchez, who also heard firefighters shouting for water.

More than 100 firefighters worked the fire before it was brought under control. No injuries were reported.

According to city records, the Department of Buildings ordered 987 Hancock St. fully vacated after the fire left it unsafe and in violation of the city code. Heavy damage next door led the agency to clear the two neighbors as well, 985 Hancock St. and 989 Hancock St.

Help for displaced Bushwick residents

Three households, nine adults and two children, signed up for emergency housing help from the American Red Cross. The organization said its disaster team met residents at the scene so everyone had a safe place to stay. Caseworkers will meet with each household in the coming days to help with other problems.

Residents who were displaced but missed the Red Cross team on Hancock Street can still get help by phone at 1-877-733-2767.

FDNY fire marshals are investigating the cause.