Five FDNY firefighters were injured Friday night while knocking down a blaze that erupted on the 17th floor of a 21-story apartment building at 212 E. Broadway on the Lower East Side. Crews were dispatched shortly after 10:15 p.m., and the fire was reported under control just before midnight. Four firefighters were taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries, and a fifth was evaluated at the scene and declined transport, officials said. Authorities reported no immediate information on resident injuries or displacement.
Heavy FDNY Response, Fast Containment
According to WABC, the FDNY sent 38 units and roughly 120 fire and EMS personnel to the scene as the high-rise fire unfolded. Crews brought the blaze under control at 11:59 p.m. The station reported that all firefighter injuries were minor and non-life-threatening, with four members transported to the hospital and one declining further treatment. Fire marshals have opened an investigation into how the fire started, according to the outlet.
Seward Park High-Rise and Nearby Hospital
The address, 212 E. Broadway between Jefferson and Clinton Streets, is part of the Seward Park residential complex, a midcentury 21-story tower with hundreds of units, according to building listings. Compass describes the property as a high-rise co-op with multiple elevators and a full-time doorman. Several injured firefighters were treated at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, the downtown facility that provides emergency care for the neighborhood.
Cause Under Investigation and Fire Safety Context
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities told WABC. High-rise incidents can pose particular challenges for firefighters because of vertical fire spread and complex building systems. The FDNY urges residents to keep smoke alarms in working order and to follow evacuation instructions when emergencies occur. Officials did not immediately release further details about possible displacement of residents or structural damage to the tower.
