Fire At South Street Seaport Brought Under Control, No Injuries Reported
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Fire officials say a heavy blaze at New York City's crowded South Street Seaport shopping spot has been put out without any injuries.
Witnesses told CBS 2's Dave Carlin that the scene was chaotic.
"People started freaking out everyone wanted to run for the door, it was a bottleneck," said Andrew Shane.
Battalion Chief John Sarrocco said flames enveloped a 100-foot stretch of Pier 17, which was teeming with several hundred people when the fire broke out about 4 p.m. Saturday.
1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten was on the scene...
Podcast
Firefighters used chain saws to remove planks of old timber to get to the flames. Fire marine units on the East River also doused the fire from the water.
A large cloud of smoke that rose over the river could be seen from Brooklyn.
WCBS 880 reporter Alex Silverman has more...
Podcast
About 140 firefighters responded to the scene. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded.
South Street Seaport's shops and restaurants are a popular tourist-friendly spot.
Were you there? What did you see? Let us know in our comments section below...
