Hudson Yards Fire Sends Plumes of Smoke Over Manhattan
Hudson Yards Fire Sends Plumes of Smoke Over Manhattan (Photo: Jim.henderson/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 4.0 )

A fire broke out Thursday atop a luxury residential high-rise in Manhattan's Hudson Yards, sending plumes of thick black smoke across New York City's skyline and causing alarm among residents and office workers in the bustling area. Firefighters responded swiftly to the blaze, which originated from the roof of The Set, a 44-story building located at 10th Avenue and West 35th Street.

The incident, reported around 11:30 a.m., saw approximately 80 members of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) deployed to contain the flames. According to fire officials, the fire began in a mechanical room situated on the rooftop, and it was brought under control by 12:11 p.m. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Social media platforms were quickly filled with images and videos showing large columns of smoke emanating from the high-rise, darkening the skies above midtown Manhattan and visible from as far as New Jersey. Residents and onlookers shared their perspectives, with one video capturing a thick plume drifting over the Hudson River.

The rooftop of The Set, known for its upscale amenities such as a swimming pool, terrace lounge, and dining spaces, became the focal point of the fire. The Set markets itself as a hybrid between a "five-star hotel and luxury residential experience," with rental prices starting at $5,000 for studios and one-bedroom units priced at nearly $7,000 per month.

  In a statement, a spokesperson for the building said: "We are grateful to the FDNY and NYPD for their swift containment of the incident and that no one was injured. The FDNY has since called an 'all clear,' residents have returned to their homes, and neighboring streets have reopened." The prompt response by the FDNY ensured the safety of residents and mitigated the potential for greater damage. As firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, many bystanders watched anxiously from surrounding streets and nearby office buildings.

Eyewitness accounts described a scene of tension and relief as the smoke eventually subsided. "I looked up and saw black smoke pouring out. It was shocking, but I knew FDNY would handle it," said one resident who lives a few blocks away.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary reports indicate that it originated from equipment housed in the mechanical room. The FDNY is expected to conduct a thorough review to determine any potential violations or safety concerns that may have contributed to the incident.

Hudson Yards, a development known for its ultra-luxury residential spaces, office towers, and cultural attractions, is no stranger to high-profile activity. The neighborhood's distinctive skyline, characterized by gleaming glass towers, was temporarily marred by the black smoke trailing from The Set. For a brief period, the fire also raised concerns about air quality and safety in one of Manhattan's most densely populated districts.