Flames ripped through the headquarters of Bassett Caterers in Sheepshead Bay on Christmas night, gutting a business that had been a staple in the community for more than a half-century.
The three-alarm inferno started at about 6:52 pm on Dec. 25 inside the company’s facility at 1404 Ave X. The first-responding firefighters were met with heavy smoke extending from the back of the building.
Approximately 138 firefighters from 33 units responded to the blaze, using five hose lines to knock the main body of fire down.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated, according to WABC-TV.
Firefighters were able to place the fire under control within about two hours, at 9:07 pm. The cause of the fire is now under investigation by FDNY marshals.
Bassett Caterers has been in business for about 56 years, specializing in providing meals at large galas, weddings and other social gatherings since 1962.
In a southern Brooklyn Facebook group, commenters — many of whom said they’d just picked up from the business to feed family for the holiday — mourned the loss of the local establishment.
“I grew up in the building across the street from there. I’ve lived abroad for 30 years now. One of the many things I always look forward to on my visits back was eating at Bassetts,” remarked one user. “My God, I hope they can rebuild. It feels like everything from my childhood is now gone.”
This story first appeared on AMNY.com.
