The Brooklyn Bridge caught fire during the 50th annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show on Independence Day.
A national historic landmark was nearly reduced to ash after a fireworks display went awry on Independence Day.
Shocking video footage captured the Brooklyn Bridge ablaze on July 4 while an array of fireworks lit up the sky.
The incident occurred during the Macy's Fourth of July celebration, an annual tradition in the Big Apple.
No injuries were reported, although flames and smoke spread across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Two fire engines were used to put out the blaze, the city's fire department said. Firefighters were seen dousing the flames shortly before 10:00 p.m. on the bridge, which had been closed to traffic during the show.
"At first I thought it was supposed to happen, but then I was scared it would explode. I thought the bridge was made of wood so I was scared," said French tourist Nearing Khoula, who was watching the display from the Brooklyn waterfront, told the New York Post.
"There were four at the same time. Some extra fireworks exploded due to the fire."
A department spokesperson said such fires are not unexpected and are why officials keep crowds at a distance during fireworks.
The Macy's Fourth of July celebration is the nation's largest Independence Day celebration.
The tradition began in 1976, 200 years after the birth of America, and has been held across the New York Tri-State area.
This year, the event pulled out all the stops, as both America and Macy's were celebrating milestones.
America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, and the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks is turning 50.
Perhaps Macy's packed one too many fireworks for its display, though, resulting in a fiery malfunction.
The New York Post reported that "minor" blazes broke out on platforms installed to launch the fireworks, not on the bridge itself — and that the 143-year-old bridge remains "safe and structurally sound."
Macy's 50th annual Fourth of July fireworks show was one of many Independence Day celebrations across the country.
In Texas, Budweiser teamed with an MLB team to create the world's largest beer glass. Additionally, Nathan's Beef Franks hosted its annual hot dog eating contest on ESPN, which champion Joey Chestnut described as "the most patriotic sports we've got."
