Neighbors gather after fire damages longtime matzah bakery in Borough Park
Even as firefighters continued to put out hot spots, neighbors lingered — talking quietly and sharing memories of a place many say has been part of the community for decades.
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Neighbors in Borough Park spent much of Wednesday morning stopping along the sidewalk, quietly watching firefighters work and trying to take in the damage left behind by a massive fire at a matzah bakery.
Some stood in small groups. Others pointed toward the building. Many simply watched — processing what the loss of a longtime neighborhood business could mean.
FDNY says the fire broke out early in the morning at the bakery, which sits right next to a school. Thick smoke filled the block, drawing people out of their homes and into the street as crews worked for hours to get the fire under control.
“I was sleeping and I smelled some of the burning,” said Nurul Karim, who lives nearby.
Even as firefighters continued to put out hot spots, neighbors lingered — talking quietly and sharing memories of a place many say has been part of the community for decades.
Residents say the bakery has been around for about 40 years.
“That’s a very huge loss,” said Abraham Fried, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. “Everything is handmade, and this is one of the few places where we make matzoh. We don’t have so many places. They start baking for Passover months ahead.”
For Fried, the bakery is personal.
“I was inside of there a few times already. I bought from this place,” he said. “It’s delicious.”
As of now, firefighters remain on scene, working to make sure the building is safe. Neighbors say they are hopeful the bakery will be able to reopen one day, though it’s not yet clear how extensive the damage is.
Fire officials have not released a timeline for when the scene will be cleared. Once it is, investigators are expected to work to determine what caused the fire.
