Source: Instagram/@union_pool
Union Pool closed temporarily following five-alarm fire that hospitalizes 7
The iconic bar, dance hall and music venue was one of several that was damaged in a fire that ripped through the block early Friday
Beloved Williamsburg bar Union Pool was damaged in a five-alarm fire early Friday morning that hospitalized seven people and also engulfed a neighboring bodega and Peruvian restaurant.
According to fire department officials, a total of 14 people, including as many as 11 firefighters, required medical treatment at the scene near the corner of Meeker and Union avenues. The fire was underway before 6 a.m. and raged until close to 8 a.m. One report claimed 200 firefighters in total showed up to get things under control.
While the building that hosts the Gourmet Deli bodega looked to be severely damaged, the extent of the damage to Union Pool, which sits next door, was unclear. The bar, which also houses a small music venue (and has a reputation as one of Brooklyn’s premier hookup spots), will close for at least the holiday weekend to “assess the damage,” it wrote on its social media accounts alongside a photo showing holes in its ceiling.
There was a 5-alarm fire next door to Union Pool earlier this morning. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt. We will be closed for the next few days as we assess the damage. @ Union Pool https://t.co/SeBpvah9jl
— Union Pool (@UnionPool) July 1, 2022
In photos from a street view, the building that houses Peruvian bistro Chimu also looked to be damaged.
Nightmare scene in Williamsburg this AM – huge fire at Union and Meeker, two buildings with massive losses (several apartments and two businesses, including long-time Peruvian fave Chimu) and damage to the neighborhood’s premier pickup bar (Union Pool). Hope everyone’s okay. pic.twitter.com/WhhqlElh0J
— Repositioning Play (@GoodGuyGuaranty) July 1, 2022
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Union Pool ownership did not reply to a request for more information by publication time.
Latin soul icon Joe Bataan was slated to perform a free set there Sunday afternoon, and local legends Reverend Vince Anderson and his Love Choir were to have played at the venue on July 4.
