Astoria Manhole Fire Shakes Buildings, Prompts Evacuations: FDNY

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A manhole fire erupted Tuesday afternoon in Astoria with two thundering booms, shaking nearby homes and filling the air with smoke, according to FDNY officials and neighborhood residents.

The fire broke out about 3 p.m. at 31st Street and Broadway, a Fire Department spokesperson told Patch.

Giant manhole fire in Astoria. Just got off the train and this was the view Best friend texted her whole apartment shook and roommate evacuated from gym right by it, they’re saying carbon monoxide is high and we live right here
pic.twitter.com/oE7Lf3Eom7
— Bruce Brown Jr (@BruceBrownJr) February 9, 2021

Manhole covers blown on #broadway in #Astoria. Smells like an electrical fire. pic.twitter.com/CO9DE6Hi1D
— Chris Vaughn (@MrChrisVaughn) February 9, 2021

Looks like a couple manhole covers blew... maybe also a car on fire... pic.twitter.com/z4ftRyxSJX
— Chris Vaughn (@MrChrisVaughn) February 9, 2021

pic.twitter.com/wnYQVLUSX7
— mal (@dorsia_BATeMAN) February 9, 2021

High carbon monoxide levels prompted FDNY officers to evacuate 31-01, 31-11 and 31-17 Broadway to ventilate the buildings.

One car appears to have sustained damage, videos posted on Twitter show. No injuries have been reported.

Broadway between 31st and 32nd was reopened to traffic just before 6 p.m., according to City Council Member Costa Constantinides.

Smoke, fire and explosions inside manholes are common in the winter, particularly when heavy snowfall is coupled with the spreading of salt on the street, according to past news reports.

The combination of snow and salt trickles underground, where the mixture may come into contact with electrical wires and cause sparks, smoke or even explosions.

This story has been updated.