If It's Snowy, There Will Be Manhole Fires

Jen Chung

Published Dec 22, 2008

Modified Dec 22, 2008

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Jen Chung

Published Dec 22, 2008

Modified Dec 22, 2008

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There were multiple manhole fires around the city, thanks to the mix of snow (from Mother Nature), salt (to melt the snow), and cables (underground). WCBS 2 reports "hundreds were forced out into the cold" yesterday, and FDNY Battalion Chief Kevin Loughran said, "How did the fire start in the manhole? Probably arcing from the salt and the wet wire. The insulation probably wore off." One of the fires was at the Upper West Side youth hostel at 104th & Amsterdam. Over 200 tourists had to evacuate, though they were able to board buses and drink hot cocoa, according to the Post. The fire was put out, but one Australian tourist was slightly disappointed, "I didn't have any burly firemen rescue me. I feel left out."