Approximately 100 people have been evacuated from SoHo buildings after numerous manholes caught fire near Broadway and Spring Street, causing carbon monoxide levels to rise, the FDNY says.
The fire was initially reported around 3 p.m., officials said, and though many buildings surrounding 524 Broadway have registered high levels of carbon monoxide, no injuries have been reported. Firefighters remain on the scene.
So far, New Yorkers have responded to the flaming manholes with characteristic nonchalance.
early work dismissal on a monday because "the street is on fire outside the office."
— rachel coleman (@rachelecoleman) November 4, 2013
Underground fire @ Broadway & Spring. Fireman quote: "if I wasn't gettin' paid, I wouldn't be stand' here right now. Could blow any second."
— The Mancaster (@themancaster) November 4, 2013
Even this gentleman remains preternaturally calm while explaining the technical side of the fire, even as the sewer below rumbles and threatens to explode.
Unsurprisingly, the Office of Emergency Management cautions that motorists and pedestrians can expect traffic delays and street closures.
Here's some more from the scene:
Manhole fire in soho @ spring & b'way. Lights in our building are flickering. #sohofire #fire http://t.co/qWLirSDIn4
— Jess SD (@thejessipedia) November 4, 2013
Reporting live from #Soho (#Spring & #Broadway) #nyc 😳🚒🚖🚧 pic.twitter.com/TgQdKECWdy
— Pepe Lechuga ® (@JoseLechugaC) November 4, 2013