As President Donald Trump praised the Brooklyn Bridge as “one of the greatest architectural feats of all time” during a speech at the National Mall, firefighters in New York City were engaged in a battle to save the iconic structure from a fire late Saturday night.
The contrasting scenes unfolded amid spectacular America 250 fireworks shows that lit up the skies over both New York City and the nation’s capital from Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
During New York City’s July Fourth fireworks display, a fire erupted on the Brooklyn Bridge. Onlookers on Saturday watched as flames spread across the bridge, sending a cloud of smoke skyward, before firefighters managed to bring the situation under control. Luckily, there were no reports of injuries.
According to the city’s fire department, two fire engines were deployed to extinguish the blaze on the bridge, which was temporarily closed to traffic during the event. The timing of the fireworks show was adjusted earlier due to forecasts of severe weather, which caused disruptions and cancellations for other celebrations along the East Coast.
The rough weather also hit Washington, D.C., where a storm led to the evacuation of crowds gathered on the National Mall.
Coincidentally, Trump was hailing that very bridge in his Salute to America 250 speech.
“We also have the first flag ever to fly over one of the greatest architectural feats of all time, a thing called the Brooklyn Bridge: One of the most beautiful bridges anywhere in the world – built a long time ago,” Trump said in his 37-minute speech, which was also delayed by summer thunderstorms.
Trump’s mention of the Brooklyn Bridge came during his address, highlighting historic American flags, along with ancestors of some of America’s iconic figures.
“American grit, boldness and daring forged heroes like Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, Teddy Roosevelt, and the legend of the Wild West, Buffalo Bill Cody: These were great, powerful people whose incredible grandchildren happened to be with us tonight,” Trump said, as one presented a flag that first waved over the Brooklyn Bridge.
“And they stand alongside one of the first American flags ever to fly over our expanding nation. It was carried west just as Lewis and Clark began their journey in 1803.
“Thank you very much. Great to have you. Great to have you to honor this audacious and indomitable soul of America.”