A large fire broke out in a high-rise building in New York’s Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning (March 17), sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky just hours before the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The fire broke out around 9:45 a.m. March 17 on West 43rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Heavy smoke, flames captured on videos
Footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the roof of the building. Videos shared by the FDNY and on social media captured the intensity of the fire as sirens blared through the area.
Firefighters rush to contain the inferno
Hundreds of firefighters were on the scene trying to bring the fire under control. Crews reached the roof of the building to tackle the fire directly as emergency operations intensified.
Evacuation ordered as a precaution
The affected building was evacuated while the upper floors of nearby skyscrapers were cleared as a precaution.
A possible cause is under investigation
Preliminary reports indicate the fire may have involved a backup generator with approximately 100 gallons of diesel fuel stored nearby.
Authorities said the exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
Incident near the main parade route
The fire broke out near the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which usually forms along Vanderbilt Avenue and continues down Fifth Avenue from East 43rd Street to East 79th Street.
Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the parade route, raising concerns about security and disruption.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area
City fire officials advised residents and visitors to avoid the intersection of East 43rd Street and Madison Avenue as firefighting operations continue.
Emergency responders remain on the scene and further updates are expected as the situation develops.
