Manhole Fires Break Out On Upper East Side, FDNY Says

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Multiple manhole fires broke out on the Upper East Side on Tuesday night, prompting an emergency response and street closures, an FDNY spokeswoman told Patch.

Smoke and fire erupted from five manholes, located on First Avenue between East 70th and 72nd streets, around 4:30 p.m., an FDNY spokeswoman said. Twelve FDNY units, containing 60 firefighters, responded to the area, the spokeswoman said. Con Edison was on scene for repairs around 5:30 p.m., fire officials told Patch.

The FDNY did not confirm reports of exploding manholes, but many area residents took to social media to say they heard explosion noises.

One building, 1315 First Avenue near East 71st Street, was evacuated, an FDNY spokeswoman told Patch. No injuries were reported, the spokeswoman said.

First Avenue between East 71st and 73rd streets was closed as first responders were on scene, according to the NYPD.

The FDNY has not determined what cause the manhole fires, fire officials told Patch.

Photo courtesy NYPD 19th Precinct