On the morning of August 15, 2025, a quiet day on Manhattan’s Upper East Side turned chaotic when a three-alarm fire broke out at a seven-story apartment building at 305 East 95th Street, between First and Second Avenues. More than 100 firefighters rushed to the scene as thick black smoke rose high into the sky.
Table of Contents
How the Fire Started
First Reports
Around 10:00 a.m., emergency lines lit up with calls about smoke and possible explosions. FDNY crews arrived in under four minutes from nearby stations.
At first, people thought the fire had started on the roof, but investigators later found it may have begun in the basement. Officials believe a buildup of gas fumes could have caused the flames, which then spread upward through the building.
Path of the Flames
The fire burned through parts of the roof and into the cockloft—a small space between the top-floor ceiling and the roof. Three penthouse apartments suffered heavy damage.
Thanks to quick action, firefighters stopped the flames from spreading to nearby buildings. The FDNY raised the alarm level to three, bringing in more than 170 firefighters and EMS workers.
Injuries and Safety Measures
Three firefighters received minor injuries while fighting the blaze. The building’s superintendent, who was in the basement when the fire began, was also hurt and taken for treatment.
Authorities told people to avoid the area, keep windows closed, and expect traffic delays because of road closures and emergency vehicles.
#BREAKING: Massive fire engulfs rooftop of 305 E 95th Street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side NYC.
Approximately 100 firefighters responded to a three-alarm blaze.
The fire, initially sparked by an accumulation of gas in the basement, led to an explosion and subsequent flames… pic.twitter.com/nKKE3DtFAY
— Breaking News (@TheNewsTrending) August 15, 2025
Eyewitness Stories
For those nearby, the experience was frightening. One resident said:
“The whole building shook. I thought a truck had hit us or maybe it was an earthquake. Then I saw smoke and flames.”
Videos taken by onlookers showed thick black smoke filling the air, with flashes of orange flames visible from blocks away.
Possible Cause — Gas Leak
Early findings point to a buildup of gas fumes in the basement as the likely cause. A spark or ignition source could have set off the explosion and fire, which then spread quickly upward.
This incident highlights the need for working gas leak detectors and regular building maintenance to prevent such dangerous situations.
FDNY’s Response
Although the fire spread fast, the FDNY contained it before it destroyed more of the building or spread further. Their efforts included:
- Using ladder trucks to reach the roof
- Running multiple hose lines into the cockloft
- Searching each floor for people
- Ventilating the building to clear the smoke
Incident Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | August 15, 2025 — ~10:00 a.m. |
| Location | 305 East 95th Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan |
| Building Type | Seven-story apartment building |
| Alarm Level | 3 alarms |
| Responders | 170+ FDNY & EMS personnel |
| Damage | Roof, cockloft, three penthouse units |
| Injuries | 3 firefighters (minor), superintendent (minor) |
| Likely Cause | Gas fume ignition in the basement (under investigation) |
| Advisory | Avoid the area, close windows, expect delays |
Aftermath and Safety Tips
As the smoke clears, investigators are looking into how the gas buildup happened. City officials remind residents to report any smell of gas immediately and for building owners to keep up with ventilation and leak detection systems.
The FDNY’s fast action saved lives and stopped more damage. This fire is a reminder that older buildings can hide dangerous risks—and that being prepared can make all the difference.
