A large fire, reportedly preceded by an explosion, erupted Friday morning at a seven-story apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The blaze, which was upgraded to a three-alarm fire, sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing across the city skyline and drew a massive response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. at 305 East 95th Street, between First and Second Avenues. According to fire officials and eyewitness accounts, a gas buildup in the building’s basement is believed to have caused the explosion. The ensuing fire quickly spread to the upper floors and the roof, engulfing the cockloft—the space between the top floor ceiling and the roof—and three penthouses.
More than 170 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the scene, working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. The building’s superintendent, who was in the basement at the time of the explosion, sustained minor injuries and is being treated. Additionally, three firefighters were also reported to have minor injuries. While the fire has been brought under control, the cause is still under official investigation.
Residents of the building were evacuated and, as of late Friday, were still unable to return to their homes as city inspectors evaluated the building’s structural integrity. The New York City Office of Emergency Management advised the public to avoid the area and for residents nearby to close their windows due to the heavy smoke.
