Nearly two dozen people were hurt when a fire erupted at a six-story apartment building in Manhattan Tuesday, authorities say.
All 19 victims are expected to be OK. Five of them, including a firefighter, were taken to hospitals while the others refused medical attention at the 186th Street scene in Washington Heights.
The extent of the injuries to the transported victims wasn't immediately clear. The fire broke out just after 6:30 a.m. on the first floor of the building and was under control in a little over an hour, officials said.
Chopper 4 showed thick smoke billowing from the building as firefighters helped residents to safety. Some were seen being rescued from smoke-enshrouded fire escapes.
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The cause of the fire isn't yet known. A woman who spoke to News 4 said the flames started in her home -- but she didn't notice at first because she was asleep.
"I didn't even realize the fire was coming. One of the tenants knocked on my door and said, 'Smoke is coming from your door," she said from outside the building once the fire was out, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
The investigation is ongoing.
