Burning transformers and manhole fires led to the evacuation of more than 200 residents from a building in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, due to elevated carbon monoxide levels and a subsequent fire. The blaze, which started Wednesday morning, injured at least two people and took firefighters about seven hours to contain, according to ABC7NY. Flames came from two underground transformer vaults around 5:15 a.m., spreading to two parked cars and prompting emergency response measures.
Burning transformers and manhole fires led to the evacuation of more than 200 residents from a building in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, due to elevated carbon monoxide levels and a subsequent fire. The blaze, which started Wednesday morning, injured at least two people and took firefighters about seven hours to contain. Flames came from two underground transformer vaults around 5:15 a.m., spreading to two parked cars and prompting emergency response measures.
Residents of the seven-story building at 101 Humboldt Street were evacuated after initial carbon monoxide reports around 3:30 a.m., which later escalated into a gas leak, prompting the additional evacuation of a neighboring building. Fire crews worked to extinguish the flames while managing residual gas after the underground valves were shut off. FDNY Battalion Chief Barry Leguernic noted that winter conditions and increased demand on electric utilities may have contributed to compromised wires, though the situation did not escalate beyond the initial problem, as per PIX 11.
In a related incident, two civilians were taken to local hospitals as a precaution. The cause of the fires remains under investigation, with officials examining whether winter conditions and their effects on urban infrastructure may have contributed. The Red Cross has been reported to be assisting residents displaced by the emergency.
