A massive fire broke out in a high-rise building in Midtown Manhattan, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky just hours before the start of the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The blaze erupted on Tuesday morning near East 43rd Street and Madison Avenue, prompting a rapid response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and other emergency services.
Dramatic footage and images circulating online showed flames shooting from the rooftop of the building, with dark smoke billowing across the Manhattan skyline, raising alarm among residents and visitors gathered for the festivities.
Authorities said the fire was brought under control shortly before 11 a.m., coinciding with the scheduled start of the parade, one of the largest cultural events in the United States that draws millions of spectators each year.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated from the building’s HVAC system, though investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
The incident triggered widespread disruptions, with city officials warning of road closures, traffic congestion, and delays to public transportation in the surrounding area. Residents and visitors were advised to avoid the vicinity and use alternative routes.
The fire broke out dangerously close to staging areas for the parade, which traditionally begins along Fifth Avenue and attracts more than two million spectators annually.
As of the time of reporting, there were no immediate confirmations of casualties, but emergency crews remained on site to conduct safety checks and ensure the building was fully secured.
The incident briefly cast a shadow over the celebrations but also highlighted the rapid response capabilities of New York’s emergency services in handling potential large-scale urban threats.
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