Community rallying behind workers after massive fire at beer garden in East Harlem
Owner says the fire may impact their ability to donate food to people in need for Thanksgiving
EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- A community effort is underway to raise money for the workers impacted by a massive fire that destroyed part of a popular beer garden and restaurant in East Harlem just days before Thanksgiving.
Santiago's Beer Garden in East Harlem was reduced to ashes after a ball of flames sent patrons and workers scrambling to safety around 6 p.m. Wednesday night.
"Me and a customer tried to put it out, but we couldn't do much" said Dixon Mayas, who works at the beer garden.
Mayas said they tried to use fire extinguishers, but the fire was spreading too fast.
Investigators say the flames from the beer garden burst through apartment windows on the upper floors of these two buildings next door on First Avenue near 120th Street.
Both issued vacate orders on Thursday as volunteers cleaned up and crews boarded up the space.
"I want to do something for my staff because they're out of a job right before the holidays. So, I think we're going to start a GoFundMe," said Matthew Fermin, the owner of Santiago's Beer Garden.
Fermin opened the beer garden about 8 years ago, and has grown into a community partner, donating food for thanksgiving.
"A lot of people were looking forward to it," Fermin said. "You know, a lot of schools, a lot of little community centers and stuff. A lot of people in the neighborhood, and we can't do that anymore."
The owner of a dry cleaner said the back of their store is "pretty destroyed."
"The ceiling is down. And it's very messy," the owner said.
She's also figuring out the next steps for her staff.
A community effort is underway to get workers back on their feet for the holidays.
"We weren't just a restaurant for everybody that worked there. Everybody was basically like family," Dixon said.
"The restaurant is gone, but we're all still here. We still have our lives... so I think we'll be able to move forward," Fermin said.
The Red Cross is assisting 15 people.
Investigators are looking into whether the fire started in a trashcan outside the garden.
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