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Manhattan Rooftop Fire Sends Smoke Billowing into NYC Skyline

A fire at a luxury apartment in Hudson Yards sends smoke into the skyline, raising concerns about safety and evacuation.

An aerial view of Manhattan showcasing the luxurious skyline, with thick clouds of dark smoke adjacent to the high-rise building, The Set in Hudson Yards. The image captures the stark contrast between the affluent architecture and the ominous smoke, reflecting the urgency of the situation. Bright sunlight illuminates the scene, enhancing the dramatic effect of the billowing smoke that disrupts the otherwise serene city view. The image serves as a poignant reminder of urban fire emergencies that can arise in densely populated areas.

Manhattan Rooftop Fire Sends Smoke Billowing into NYC Skyline

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, a fire erupted on the roof of a luxury apartment building, The Set, located in the bustling Hudson Yards area of Manhattan. The incident began around 11:30 a.m., with the New York Fire Department (FDNY) receiving reports shortly thereafter. The fire was under control by 12:11 p.m., following a swift response from approximately 80 firefighters.

Fire at Hudson Yards

Timeline of Events

  • 11:30 a.m.: Fire reported on the rooftop of The Set.
  • 12:11 p.m.: FDNY declares the fire under control.
  • Evacuation orders were issued for residents and staff, in particular from the Greywind restaurant located on the premises.

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents of The Set described alarming experiences during the fire. Elizabeth Schmidt, who had been living in the building for two months, recalled, “I was on the 25th floor on a Zoom call and I started seeing smoke through the window.” Shockingly, she noted that no alarms sounded during the incident, causing anxiety among those inside the building.

Another resident remarked on the surprising delay in notification, as residents didn’t hear alarms even as smoke clouds gathered outside their windows. This raises concerns about the emergency protocols in high-rise buildings, especially in luxury apartments where safety measures are expected to be stringent.

Building Details

The Set is not just an apartment building; it offers a hotel-like living experience in the heart of Manhattan, where the rental prices reflect its premium location, with some one-bedroom apartments listed at $7,400. This costly lifestyle highlights the emphasis on luxury in the area, making the fire's impact feel even more significant among residents and the public.

Investigation Underway

The fire marshal has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined as of now. With no injuries reported, the swift actions of the FDNY have drawn praise, but the circumstances surrounding the evacuation and alarm system's functionality are under scrutiny.

As the situation develops, residents are left to wonder about the effectiveness of safety procedures in luxury high-rises such as The Set. The Hudson Yards fire serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers high-rise living may pose, even in seemingly secure environments.

This developing story may be updated as new information becomes available regarding the investigation and any further implications related to the Hudson Yards fire.

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