Video shows Brooklyn Bridge engulfed in flames during Macy's Fourth of July fireworks

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The Brooklyn Bridge briefly caught fire during Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display on the night of Saturday, July 4, as New York celebrated America's 250th Independence Day.

Video from the event showed fireworks exploding around the bridge while flames and thick black smoke rose from sections of the iconic structure. The blaze was extinguished within about a minute, though the cause of the fire and the extent of any damage were not immediately known.

Brooklyn Bridge catches fire during Macy's fireworks

The fire erupted while pyrotechnics were being launched from the Brooklyn Bridge as part of Macy's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration over the East River.

Videos circulating online showed a section of the bridge engulfed in flames as fireworks continued bursting overhead. Thick smoke could be seen rising from the structure, while additional sections of the bridge also appeared to catch fire during the display. 

According to eyewitness accounts, at least three sections of the bridge appeared to catch fire while the fireworks show was underway. According to a New York Post reporter at the scene, the flames subsided within about a minute.

It remains unclear what caused the fire or whether the bridge sustained any structural damage. Emergency lights were visible near the affected area, and footage appeared to show workers in high-visibility clothing responding as the fire was brought under control.

Witnesses mistake bridge fire for fireworks

Several spectators watching the fireworks from the Brooklyn waterfront said they initially believed the flames were part of the planned pyrotechnic display before realizing that a fire had broken out.

"At first I thought it was supposed to happen but then I was scared it would exploded. I thought the bridge was made of wood so I was scared," said Nearing Khoula, 24, who was visiting from France. Khoula added, "There were four at the same time. Some extra fireworks exploded due to the fire."

The incident occurred during the 50th anniversary of Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show, which first launched in 1976 to mark the United States Bicentennial.

This year's display featured fireworks launched from both the East River and the Hudson River as part of nationwide celebrations commemorating America's 250th year of independence.

New York City distributed 100,000 tickets through a public lottery for designated viewing areas, including Brooklyn Bridge Park and the South Street Seaport.

The fireworks display proceeded as planned despite the brief fire, with no immediate reports of injuries. Officials have not yet announced whether an investigation has been opened into the cause of the blaze.