New York City, USA – Thick black smoke rose dramatically from a rooftop fire in Midtown Manhattan, funneled between skyscrapers and backlit by the morning sun.

The street below was blocked off, lined with tall buildings flying American flags. Police in high-visibility yellow vests on motorcycles and bicycles directed traffic amid parked vehicles and orange cones. The sound of bagpipes could be heard nearby as a parade participant practiced just one block from the starting line on Fifth Avenue.

The fire broke out around 9:45 a.m. on March 17, 2026, at 6 East 43rd Street, originating in the building’s HVAC system and cooling tower. FDNY responded rapidly, sending over 140 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene.

The blaze was contained within an hour with no structural damage or evacuation needed. Two people were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Despite the incident, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade proceeded on schedule at 11 a.m., drawing millions along Fifth Avenue with marching bands, floats, and participants including bagpipers, undeterred by the nearby emergency.

The poster described it as “Surreal. Big fire midtown Manhattan. St Patrick’s parade bagpiper practicing.”

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