A historic city-owned building in Manhattan’s Chinatown went up in flames after a fire broke out on the fourth floor on Thursday night.
At around 8:40 p.m. on Jan. 23, the FDNY responded to a call regarding a fire at 70 Mulberry Street. The fire quickly escalated, spreading to the fifth floor and the roof, and was categorized as a five-alarm fire, according to the FDNY.
Hundreds of firefighters worked for hours to get the flames under control, completely extinguishing the fire sometime the following morning.
Nine people, eight of which were firefighters, were injured as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The building served as the home base for many local nonprofits as well as a senior center and the Chen Dance Center, and also stored documents from the Museum of Chinese in America.
“This building is home to many local non profits and a senior center that serves as a pillar to the Chinatown community,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio on Twitter. “I know the neighborhood is in shock tonight. We’re going to help the community get through this.
CPC released a statement thanking the FDNY and expressing their sorrow:
“CPC is deeply saddened by the devastating fire that started at 70 Mulberry Street last night, but we are grateful that it is under control and that FDNY continues to be at the scene managing the situation. 70 Mulberry Street houses CPC’s Chinatown Senior Center and other community based organizations and programs. There were no fatalities, but one serious injury and some minor injuries of the firefighters. We are sending everyone wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Updated at 11:50 a.m.
