Manhole Fires Erupt On 21st Street

Update 7:47pm: Toby’s Public House (21st Street and 6th Avenue) announced on Facebook earlier this evening that they’re closed due to a water main break down the street.

“We have no water, and we can’t live without water. So hopefully the city can fix the problem soon so we can get back to business. See you soon, sorry for the inconvenience.”

Earlier: Two manholes near 21st Street and 5th Avenue went up in flames Monday afternoon, ultimately spreading into the basement of 247 21st Street, according to a representative from FDNY.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at 2:10pm, and the FDNY says all fires were under control by 3:47pm. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries.

Neighbor Blaise Dupuy also tells us that a water main on the block has ruptured, leaving residents in the area without water. Department of Environmental Protection officials on the scene told him that it could be eight hours before water is restored.

We are waiting on additional information from the DEP, and will update the site as soon as we learn more.

Photo by Blaise Dupuy