Brooklyn building evacuated after explosive manhole fire and carbon monoxide leak | amNewYork

"Carbon monoxide levels began to climb at 101 Humboldt St. at Borinquen Plaza Houses at around 3:30 a.m., per the FDNY, apparently due to a manhole fire. Firefighters on the scene said CO levels in the building's lobby shot from 400 parts per million to 1,000 ppm in a matter of minutes, forcing them to evacuate the seven-story building."

"The fire suddenly exploded into the street and engulfed a parked car. Firefighters triggered a second alarm just before 7 a.m., calling more crews to the scene as they struggled to control the blaze. Two civilians were injured and transferred to NYC Health+Hospitals/Woodhull for evaluation, per the FDNY. Crews were still on the scene as of 10 a.m., per the FDNY, attempting to bring the situation under control."

"Con Edison and National Grid are working to assess the circumstances, according to a ConEd spokesperson, and expect to know more later today. A crew member on the scene said the operation would likely continue for hours as they attempt to identify and stop the gas leak. NYCHA set up a temporary warming center at 70 Siegel St., according to a representative of Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, as well as three warming buses."

Carbon monoxide levels began rising at 101 Humboldt St. at Borinquen Plaza Houses around 3:30 a.m., apparently due to a manhole fire. CO in the building lobby shot from 400 parts per million to 1,000 ppm in minutes, prompting evacuation of the seven-story building. The fire burst through a manhole, exploded into the street and engulfed a parked car. Firefighters struck a second alarm before 7 a.m. as crews struggled to control the blaze. Two civilians were injured and taken to NYC Health+Hospitals/Woodhull. Crews remained on scene as of 10 a.m. while Con Edison and National Grid assessed conditions. NYCHA opened a warming center and buses and the Red Cross assisted. The cause remains unclear, with winter manhole fires often sparked by melting snow and road salt corroding underground electrical equipment.

Read at www.amny.com