Watch CBS News

Firefighters Respond To Flare-Up At Chelsea Building That Caught Fire Tuesday

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Smoldering embers caused a heavy smoke condition Wednesday at a Chelsea building that went up in flames a day earlier.

Concerns about the structural integrity of the building at 221 W. 17th St. quickly pushed the response to two alarms, fire officials told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond. It was under control within an hour.

Once again, nearby residents were not allowed down their block.

"I'm back to exactly where I was Tuesday at 3 a.m., with just the clothes I have on. Nothing else," one neighbor said.

The vacant building was being converted into luxury apartments.

The cause of Tuesday's five-alarm blaze is under investigation.

The fire started around 3 a.m. Tuesday on the fourth floor of the six-story building and quickly spread through the roof.

The blaze was brought under control at 7:11 a.m., but fire officials expressed concerns that the building may have been in danger of collapsing and evacuated nearby residents as a precaution.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.