China

‘Careless Cooking' Caused Midtown Chinese Restaurant Blaze That Hurt 15: FDNY

A smoke alarm wasn't present in the restaurant either, the FDNY said

What to Know

  • Fifteen people, 14 of them firefighters, were hurt in the blaze Tuesday at the restaurant on West 39th Street
  • The FDNY said Wednesday that "careless cooking" caused the fire, adding the blaze had been ruled an accident
  • A smoke alarm wasn't present in the restaurant either, the FDNY said

"Careless cooking" caused the midtown Chinese restaurant blaze that hurt more than a dozen people, all but one of them firefighters, fire officials said Wednesday.

The FDNY said there also was no smoke alarm present at the West 39th Street building near Bryant Park that went up in flames a day earlier. Authorities have said it was particularly difficult to fight because fire got into the walls and pipes. 

Fourteen firefighters were injured in the fire -- seven of them seriously, for heat exhaustion and debris impact. One civilian had a minor injury, but the victim declined transportation to the hospital. 

The six-story building is all offices and stores, officials said. 

Contact Us