Five-Alarm Fire Erupts in Midtown High-Rise Near St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City

A massive five-alarm fire broke out on the upper floors of a luxury residential high-rise in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, just as the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was beginning. 

The blaze, which started shortly before 11:00 a.m. at 135 West 52nd Street, sent thick black smoke billowing over the parade route, forcing thousands of spectators and marchers to evacuate the immediate area.

The FDNY responded with over 200 firefighters and emergency personnel to combat the flames, which appeared to originate on the 42nd floor of the 47-story building. Fire officials stated that the high altitude and heavy winds presented significant challenges for suppression efforts.

 "The wind is pushing the smoke and heat across the floor, making it very difficult for our members to get to the seat of the fire," an FDNY spokesperson noted during a preliminary briefing at the scene.

The fire caused immediate chaos for the St. Patrick's Day festivities, as police cordoned off several blocks along Fifth Avenue and redirected the parade flow. Spectators described a scene of sudden panic as debris began falling from the skyscraper.

"We just saw chunks of the building falling down onto the street," said one witness. "Everyone started running toward Sixth Avenue to get away from the smoke."

Medical personnel treated several individuals at the scene for smoke inhalation, including two firefighters who were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

 While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, early reports suggest it may have started in a mechanical room near the top of the tower.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident during a press conference held at the edge of the security perimeter.

 "Our primary focus is the safety of the residents and the brave first responders fighting this fire," the Mayor stated. "We have redirected city resources to ensure that the parade can continue safely while the FDNY works to contain the situation."

By early afternoon, the FDNY reported that the fire was "under control," though crews remained on-site to extinguish hot spots and conduct a floor-by-floor search for any trapped occupants. 

The luxury building, known for its distinctive lighting and high-profile residents, sustained significant damage to its upper levels.

Streets surrounding the high-rise remained closed to traffic for several hours, causing major delays throughout Midtown. 

Building inspectors are expected to evaluate the structural integrity of the tower before residents are permitted to return to the lower floors.