6:00 pm. 330 First Avenue, Manhattan; FDNY responded to an All-hands fire on 19th and First Avenue. It began with a discharge from an electrical wire contained in a nearby Con-Ed pipe. The electricity ignited boxes and materials within the basement of the commercial complex.
Firefighters and police evacuated those inside of the first floor businesses, including animals from the Petland Discounts store. FDNY investigated these stores for any possible flames or leaks, all of which appear to be deemed safe.
Officials had the sectioned off 1st avenue between 21st and 14th streets. Major traffic delays occurred while the FDNY were stopping the flames.
The blaze was extinguished after four hours of work. Con-Ed is seeing to the restoration of services to the complex.
No injuries have been reported and the roads are now clear for vehicles.
A small team remains at the scene to assess damages and clean up.
