Summary:

Two-alarm fire engulfed a historic 13-story building in SoHo, NYC.
Firefighters swiftly contained the blaze, preventing wider damage, with no injuries reported.
The 1896 building, a designated landmark, suffered extensive damage to its wooden roof.
Drones were used to assist in firefighting efforts.
The cause of the fire is under investigation; traffic delays and road closures ensued.

Soho Landmark Destroyed in Devastating Fire

A two-alarm fire ripped through a historic 13-story building in SoHo on Wednesday afternoon, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The blaze, which broke out around 2:52 p.m. at 451 Broome St., quickly escalated, prompting a significant response from the FDNY.

Dramatic Rescue and Extinguishing Efforts

Acting Deputy Chief Jared Garitano described the scene upon arrival as a "heavy fire condition." Despite the intensity, firefighters swiftly brought the blaze under control by approximately 4:30 p.m., preventing further spread. Drones were deployed to assist with aerial observation of the damage to the wooden roof, which required "extensive overhauling."

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Historic Building Severely Damaged

The building, constructed in 1896, holds landmark status and is described as a "late 19th-century extravaganza in stone, brick, terra cotta and iron." Inspectors from the NYC Department of Buildings responded to assess the damage.

Aftermath and Investigation

The fire caused significant traffic delays and road closures in Lower Manhattan, with officials urging New Yorkers to seek alternative routes. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Source: New York Post