Empire State emergency: Firefighters called to New York skyscraper
FIRE CREWS have surrounded the Empire State Building in Manhattan after reports of a fire.
Authorities respond to possible fire in Empire State Building
Firefighters are on the scene outside the 102-story building in the city’s Fifth Avenue.
The blaze reportedly started in the basement of the building at 2.20pm local time.
Tourists are currently being evacuated from the hugely popular NYC attraction.
Witnesses inside the building have described smelling smoke.
Outside the Empire State Building: Firefighters called in
The scene on Fifth Avenue after fire reported in the Empire State Building
One person wrote on Twitter: "Something's going on at Empire State Building"Elevators smells like smoke. Fire engines outside.
"Elevators smells like smoke. Fire engines outside."
New York's fire department (FDNY) have confirmed they are still trying to put out the flames.
It is currently believed the fire affected a Starbucks Coffee shop on the lower floor.
A total of 80 firefighters and 26 vehicles were called to the scene.
No injuries have been reported.
The day I decide I'm going to the Empire State Building there's a fire ������ pic.twitter.com/UAriGPRlJc
— Lerato (@LeratoLB_) March 17, 2017
The Empire State Building is the 29th-tallest in the world, but once had the number one spot.
The building, named after the common name for New York ‘the Empire State’ was completed in 1931.
Manhattan: 350 5th Ave - Empire State Building. All hands working for fire from manhole and electrical panels inside Empire State Building.
— New York City Alerts (@NYCityAlerts) March 17, 2017
Despite the huge emergency response, the Empire State Building's official Twitter account said observatories remain open.
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