Upper East Side Apartment Fire: Residents Describe Explosion and Evacuation

Fire Erupts on Upper East Side

• 🚒 A three-alarm fire broke out in a six-story apartment building at 305 East 95th Street on the Upper East Side.
• 💥 Residents reported hearing an explosion and feeling the entire building shake before the fire was discovered on the roof.
• 🏠 The fire forced dozens of residents out of their homes, with the Red Cross assisting displaced families.

Evacuation and Injuries

• 🏃‍♀️ Residents described a frantic scramble to evacuate, with some leaving with only the clothes on their backs.
• ✅ All residents were able to exit the building safely.
• 🩹 Three firefighters sustained minor injuries while responding to the blaze.

Building History and Investigation

• ⚠️ A partial stop-work order from 2015 for an illegally constructed seller apartment was in place on the building, though its connection to the fire is unclear.
• 🏗️ Inspectors were called to the scene for a structural stability inspection after the fire.
• 🔌 Gas has been shut off in the building as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

Resident Impact

• 😥 Many residents are concerned about what they will be able to salvage from their apartments.
• 🙏 Despite the loss, residents expressed feeling lucky to be alive.
• ⏳ There is currently no timeline for when residents will be allowed back into their homes.