Fire in the Bronx destroys six businesses, impacts community

A major fire in the Bronx on March 13 destroyed six businesses, including Bronx Optical Center. Owner Jessica Betancourt, who previously recovered from looting in 2020, now faces a more difficult situation with her shop completely lost. While Betancourt has a backup location, other businesses like Casa Mofongo, which employed 32 people, have no immediate options. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Local officials are establishing a fund to assist affected businesses as they await insurance payouts. Community members are concerned about the long-term impact on the neighborhood and the need for rebuilding efforts.