A quiet Thursday afternoon in Concourse Village turned chaotic when a basement fire and a smoking manhole hit the same Bronx block, leaving four people in the hospital and utility crews scrambling to get things under control.
The FDNY said the basement blaze at 1027 Walton Ave sparked just before 1 p.m. in an apartment building. EMS took four people to nearby hospitals with what officials described as minor injuries. At the same time, Con Edison crews were called in to deal with a smoking manhole at the very same location, though it was not immediately clear which incident began first.
According to News 12 The Bronx, FDNY officials confirmed the four victims were transported to local hospitals and again emphasized that their injuries were minor. The outlet also reported that Con Edison blamed the underground fire on melting snow that mixed with road salt and seeped into its electrical system, and that utility crews were working on repairs at the scene.
Why manholes can flare up after snow
Utility experts say smoking or burning manholes are a familiar sight after winter storms. Salt-heavy meltwater can eat away at insulation and trigger electrical shorts in underground cables. That pattern has been documented during similar incidents around the city and was detailed in reporting by CBS New York. Even when manhole incidents produce only smoke, they can still damage wiring, cut power and raise carbon monoxide risks inside nearby buildings.
What officials said and next steps
News 12 The Bronx reported that Con Edison dispatched crews for emergency repairs and a full check of the underground equipment. FDNY investigators are now looking into whether the basement fire and the manhole incident were connected. Officials urged New Yorkers to call 911 if they spot a smoking manhole or notice unusual electrical odors. No further injuries were reported once firefighters and utility workers secured the area.
