Firefighters Extinguish Brooklyn Junkyard Blaze

More than 140 firefighters responded to a fire at a Brooklyn scrap yard on October 12.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Property Crime

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FDNY crews extinguished a late-night fire at the Brooklyn Resource Recovery facility on Preston Court, marking the sixth blaze there since 2021. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Emergency crews successfully extinguished a fire at the Brooklyn Resource Recovery facility located at 5811 Preston Court. The blaze required a massive response from the FDNY, though no injuries were reported.

Why it matters

The incident marks the latest in a recurring pattern of fires on this specific block, which has seen six such events since the summer of 2021. Authorities continue to monitor the site following years of localized property crime and fire incidents.

More than 140 firefighters managed the two-hour operation at 5811 Preston Court. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation following six similar incidents on the block since 2021.

The players

FDNY

The New York City Fire Department is the municipal agency responsible for fire suppression and emergency medical services across the city.

Brooklyn Resource Recovery

This entity operates the recycling and scrap facility located at 5811 Preston Court in the East Flatbush neighborhood.

The details

Crews accessed the lot by cutting through a metal wall and utilized tower ladders to douse the flames from above. The FDNY brought the fire under control shortly before midnight without reporting any injuries to staff or personnel.

Timeline

  1. Summer 2021: Period when fires began occurring on the block.

  2. October 12, 2026, 10:00 p.m.: Firefighters arrived at the scene.

  3. October 12, 2026, midnight: The fire was officially brought under control.

Legal Context

This fire follows a pattern established by the 2021 East Flatbush electric scooter battery fire, which raised concerns about industrial safety in the borough. The recurrence of incidents on this specific block suggests an ongoing struggle with local code enforcement.

Residents in East Flatbush may encounter lingering smoke or emergency equipment blockages near 5811 Preston Court while the site is secured. The frequency of fires on this block may prompt increased local oversight regarding industrial storage and fire safety protocols.

The takeaway

Local business owners and residents should remain vigilant about storage hazards that have historically caused recurring fire outbreaks in the area. Maintaining clear access points for emergency services is a critical precaution for properties with high volumes of scrap materials.

Further reading

For more information on local safety trends, visit the New York City Property Crime section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Brooklyn Paper.

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Should local authorities implement stricter safety regulations for industrial businesses located near residential areas?