Our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in the Sunset Park fire, the residents who were injured or displaced, and the first responders who worked through the night.
What happened in Sunset Park
On November 5, 2026, a three-alarm fire broke out shortly before 1:40 a.m. on 58th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Six people died. An updated CBS New York report listed nine injuries, including three firefighters and two police officers.
The fire also damaged a neighboring building. The cause remained under investigation at the time of this update. Finding a battery at the scene does not establish what started the fire.
Our video update
English narration with Simplified Chinese subtitles. Watch the video on YouTube.
If your home was affected
The first priority is a safe place to stay. Follow instructions from emergency personnel and building officials. Do not enter a damaged building until officials say it is safe.
Once immediate needs are addressed, keep a simple record of what happened:
- Notify your insurer. Report the loss as soon as you can, ask for the claim number, and keep the contact information for the person handling it.
- Document damage when access is safe. Take photos and videos, and begin a room-by-room list of damaged belongings. Save any receipts or purchase records you already have.
- Keep receipts while displaced. Save hotel, meal, transportation, and emergency repair receipts. Ask which expenses your policy may reimburse.
- Check before discarding damaged items. Discuss disposal and inspection requirements with your insurer or adjuster. Follow any urgent safety instructions from officials.
- Keep a communication log. Record dates, names, inspection appointments, and requests for documents.
These steps follow the American Red Cross's financial recovery guidance and the New York State Department of Financial Services' disaster recovery guidance.
Temporary housing and insurance questions
If a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, your homeowners or renters policy may cover additional living expenses. This generally means eligible costs above your normal living expenses, subject to the policy's terms and limits. Ask your insurer about approval requirements, payment arrangements, and how long coverage may apply. The New York State Department of Financial Services explains this coverage here.
Renters and property owners may have different policies and responsibilities. Do not assume the building owner's insurance covers a tenant's belongings or temporary housing.
Help understanding a fire damage claim
Northeast Adjustment represents policyholders with property damage insurance claims. We can help document the loss, review the claim, and explain questions to raise about temporary housing when applicable. Chinese-speaking assistance is available.
For help with your situation, request a claim review or call (718) 313-3681. You can also read about our fire damage claim services.
Incident details checked November 5, 2026. This is a developing story. Sources: ABC7 New York and CBS New York.
