What started as a typical high-energy Saturday night at Maison Close quickly took a frightening turn when a fire broke out inside the restaurant’s dining room. Page Six exclusively reported that the celebrity-favorite hotspot, usually known for its electric atmosphere, suddenly became the scene of panic and confusion. Here’s all we know about the incident.
Smoke, Sprinklers, and a Frantic Exit
A report states that shortly after 12:20 a.m., alarms sounded as guests danced on banquettes and burlesque-style performers entertained the packed crowd.
Witnesses said confusion quickly spread, followed by shouts that the fire was real.
As smoke thickened inside the dining room, guests said panic spread quickly. Staff responded immediately, ushering diners toward the exits as conditions worsened.
“It was really scary. People were screaming,” a restaurant guest told Page Six the following day. “My throat still hurts from the smoke, and that’s from being inside for maybe 30 seconds.”
When the sprinklers activated, many guests were left soaked and forced to wait outside in freezing temperatures. Staff members jumped to help the guests as they brought a coat-check rack onto the sidewalk, helping reunite shaken diners with their jackets as they tried to warm up.
Fire Crews Rush to the Scene
GettyEyewitnesses told Page Six that around six fire trucks arrived within minutes as the FDNY responded to the emergency.
Some guests speculated that a champagne sparkler may have ignited a decorative plant, though the restaurant did not confirm the cause.
“There is no threat to the public,” police said during the response, reassuring nearby residents as crews assessed the scene.
A Familiar Fire Scare for the Brand
GettyA representative for the restaurant sought to minimize concerns, saying the situation was quickly contained.
“A small flame activated one sprinkler, which then caused the system to engage. The fire department responded, everything was assessed and there was no damage. It will be business as usual tonight [Saturday],” the spokesperson said.
Still, the incident revived difficult memories for the brand. Eater New York reported in May 2023 that the Montauk location of Maison Close was destroyed by a fire just one day before its planned Memorial Day weekend opening.
“We are sorry to announce that last night a fire claimed Maison Close Montauk,” a representative had told Page Six at the time.
In Manhattan, the incident ended without injuries. Still, for many guests, the fear of rushing through smoke lingered long after the flames were out.
The SoHo restaurant is known for drawing celebrity crowds, including Jemima Kirke, Meredith Marks, and Lisa Vanderpump, making the sudden evacuation all the more unsettling for those inside.
