FDNY Paramedics, NYPD Officers Rescue Brooklyn Restaurant Patrons After Explosion Sparks Fire

Brooklyn, NY — Two FDNY paramedics returning from a call rushed into action after hearing an explosion outside a Brooklyn restaurant earlier this month, helping evacuate patrons and extinguish flames before firefighters arrived, according to the Fire Department of New York.

The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. on May 10 along DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, where Paramedics Youssef Al Hammami and Ryan Kirby, both assigned to Station 31, were driving back from another emergency call when they heard the blast.

As they approached the area, the medics saw people fleeing the restaurant while flames pushed out from a doorway, the FDNY said.

Medics and NYPD Officers Worked Together to Stop Fire

According to the FDNY, the paramedics immediately requested additional emergency resources before splitting responsibilities during the fast-moving situation.

Paramedic Ryan Kirby began assessing people evacuating from the building while Paramedic Youssef Al Hammami grabbed a fire extinguisher from the ambulance and joined NYPD officers attempting to control the flames.

Together, the medics and police officers evacuated everyone from the restaurant and extinguished the fire before conditions worsened, officials said.

Key Points

• FDNY paramedics heard an explosion while returning from a call on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn
• The medics and NYPD officers evacuated a restaurant and extinguished the fire
• Three NYPD officers were treated for smoke inhalation during the incident

The FDNY said the responding paramedics later treated three NYPD officers who suffered smoke inhalation while helping clear the building and battle the flames.

Officials did not release additional details about what caused the explosion or whether any restaurant patrons suffered injuries.

FDNY Commends Quick Response

The Fire Department praised both paramedics for their rapid decision-making and teamwork during the emergency.

“Paramedics Al Hammami and Kirby displayed excellent teamwork, coordination and bravery,” the department said in a statement, adding that the FDNY commended the pair for their quick-thinking actions.

The incident highlights how EMS crews frequently encounter dangerous situations outside traditional medical emergencies while responding throughout New York City.

DeKalb Avenue runs through heavily populated sections of Brooklyn lined with restaurants, apartment buildings, and businesses, where fires and explosions can quickly threaten crowded sidewalks and neighboring properties.

Current Status

The FDNY has not released further information regarding the cause of the explosion or whether the restaurant sustained significant damage. The department confirmed that all occupants were safely evacuated and credited the responding paramedics and NYPD officers with preventing the situation from escalating further.