SerpApi.Org
Five people were hurt after a fire broke out at a restaurant and smoke spread to an office building above it on Madison Avenue Friday in Midtown Manhattan.
The FDNY said it responded just before 7 a.m. to reports of flames in the ductwork at 520 Madison Ave., a 43-story office building between East 53rd and East 54th streets.
Fire officials said the blaze started in the kitchen of a two-story restaurant called Papillon at 22 E. 54th Street. Though the ducts connect to the building above, the fire did not spread outside the restaurant, officials said.
The owners of Papillon said workers were cleaning when they noticed a fire in the kitchen. They said they tried putting it out themselves before calling for help.
"It grew and spread throughout the restaurant," said James McCole, the son of one of the owners.
Video from the scene showed smoke coming from the roof of the tall building. The FDNY said more than 220 members from over 90 fire and EMS units responded.
The office building, which is owned by Tishman Speyer, was evacuated as a precaution due to smoke, officials said. About 200 people were inside.
Tishman Speyer said the restaurant's fire alarm system is physically connected to its building, even though the structures are separate.
FDNY Assistant Deputy Chief John Corcoran said it was an intricate operation.
"Each building had its own separate system. The ductwork was in the restaurant. It went through their building into the commercial building, which is a very unique operation to have because, at that time, it pierced the fire protection from the restaurant and into the commercial building, and that's what they had to overcome. With the smoke going through the commercial building, and being at 43 stories, we had to check every floor," Corcoran said.
Papillon, known for its seasonal and holiday decor, has been hosting World Cup watch parties, but it will be unable to host one for Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey.
Repairs could take two to three months, McCole said.
The FDNY said five people suffered minor injuries, with one transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
