Over 200 New York City Fire Department firefighters responded to a devastating 5 alarm fire at an apartment building located at Broadway and West 144 Street, Manhattan on Friday afternoon.
According to FDNY’s Twitter page, the emergency call came in at approximately 3:00 PM ET.
There are currently no injuries reported at 4-alarm fire, 565 W 144 St Manhattan pic.twitter.com/PKT77nNduF
— FDNY (@FDNY) November 17, 2017
More than 200 #FDNY members are operating on scene of a 5-alarm fire, 565 W 144 St Manhattan. There are currently no injuries reported pic.twitter.com/ifhx1EPiYy
— FDNY (@FDNY) November 17, 2017
#FDNY members continue to operate at 5-alarm fire, 565 W 144 St Manhattan pic.twitter.com/Qy6gReBY0K
— FDNY (@FDNY) November 17, 2017
Miraculously, only one civilian and two firefighters have suffered minor injuries. It is unclear what exactly sparked the fire in the six story building.
New York City Emergency Management sent out the following alert:
Expect smoke, traffic delays, and a presence of emergency personnel and vehicles in the area. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advises avoiding smoke exposure from structural fires by closing windows while indoors and reducing outdoor activity where smoke is present. People with heart or breathing conditions such as asthma may be more sensitive and should seek immediate medical attention if they experience a worsening of their condition, shortness of breath, or chest pains.
A video below provided by ABC 7 News shows exactly how monstrous this fire was in Hamilton Heights, a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan.
Another video recorded by a bystander shows from miles away the black smoke billowing above the city.
There's a major fire on west side of Manhattan right now. pic.twitter.com/gmBfi2006M
— jmullaly (@jmullaly) November 17, 2017
As of press time, FDNY was still working to put the blaze out.
This story will be updated as more details come in.