Neighbors on W48th Street helped raise the alarm early this morning (Wednesday), shouting up to residents as flames tore through a second-floor apartment at the corner of 10th Avenue. Video from the scene shows the fire pushing west, jumping to a neighboring window as smoke poured over the block, while patrons from Fairytail Lounge next door rushed outside to warn those still inside — and a passing car stopped and leaned on its horn, blasting continuous honks to help wake the building.
Flames pour through the window of a second floor apartment early Wednesday morning. Photo: Matt Rotan
“I think a few of us called 911. The fire trucks arrived within minutes,” said Matt Rotan, who lives in a neighboring building and watched the response unfold.
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As a Hell’s Kitchen resident since 2005, I have lived in both the W30s and W50s. After a 15 year career in the luxury fashion industry, I made a pivot to community advocacy in 2020. In addition to my role as Deputy Editor at W42ST, I am founder of the local non-profit cleanup group Litter Legion, co-chair of HK49-54 Block Alliance and a member of Manhattan Community Board 4. I’m deeply committed to improving my neighborhood and serving the people who call it home.