Major Fire Breaks Out in East Village Building Housing Sushi Restaurant Uogashi

As of this morning, the FDNY was still working to put out a six-alarm fire that broke out before 2 a.m. on the first floor of a five-story apartment building on First Avenue between 11th and 12th streets — a property that houses sushi restaurant Uogashi.

While the fire is still under investigation, a fire official on the scene noted that they’re “pretty sure” it started inside the restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of the building, according to a briefing from FDNY. Three civilians received non-life-threatening injuries in the fire, along with 11 firefighters, according to the FDNY.

An official cause of the fire remains unclear, according to a spokesperson for the department. Photos of the scene show the restaurant and rest of the building — which contains apartments — engulfed in smoke. There was enough smoke to close down East Side Community High School and P.S. 19 Asher Levy.

Uogashi opened in 2017 and is known as a solid affordable omakase option in the area. Calls and messages to the restaurant have not yet been answered.

The incident is still ongoing, so stay tuned for updates.

• [Updating] Report of injuries during major fire at 188 1st Ave. [EV Grieve]