A large fire broke out in a Midtown Manhattan high-rise on Tuesday morning, sending thick black smoke across the New York skyline just hours before the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade was set to begin, the New York Fire Department said, sharing a video of the blaze.
According to authorities, the fire started shortly before 10 am in a skyscraper near East 43rd Street and Madison Avenue, close to the busy area around Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) quickly rushed to the scene as plumes of smoke rose from the rooftop.
Videos released by the fire department and shared widely online showed dramatic scenes. One clip captured dense clouds of dark smoke pouring from the top of the building, spreading across the morning sky.
In another video circulating on social media, bright orange flames could be seen shooting from the roof of the high-rise as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
The smoke was reportedly visible from miles away, drawing the attention of residents and commuters across Manhattan.
Officials said the building may have been under construction at the time of the incident, though it was not immediately clear whether anyone was inside when the fire broke out.
The fire prompted a rapid emergency response, with multiple fire engines and ladder companies deployed to the area. Sirens echoed through Midtown as firefighters raced to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
The city’s official emergency notification system warned residents and visitors of major disruptions in the area, including traffic congestion, road closures and delays in public transport services.
The incident occurred near streets that typically see large crowds during St Patrick’s Day celebrations, raising concerns about safety and mobility in the busy Midtown corridor.
Footage of the fire circulating online showed the dramatic scale of the blaze, with thick smoke briefly shrouding parts of the skyline and creating a tense atmosphere in the city centre.
Fire crews managed to bring the flames under control shortly before 11 am, just ahead of the parade’s scheduled start, the New York Post reported.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation and investigate the cause of the fire as emergency teams remained on site.
Despite the alarming visuals, officials worked swiftly to ensure the fire did not escalate further near one of the city’s most crowded holiday events.
