nyc explosion: NYC fire highlights growing U.S. fire crisis: 46 large fires burn across America

The U.S. is facing a serious fire problem. The current fire situation in the U.S. looks something like this: 46 large fires are burning across eight U.S. geographic areas, covering 784,817 acres. 17,731 firefighters and support staff are working, using 350 crews, 1,014 engines, and 135 helicopters, according to the data by National Interagency Fire Center.

NYC fire hits upper east side apartment

On Friday morning a huge fire broke out at a seven-story apartment building on East 95th Street, between First and Second Avenues in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Firefighters arrived shortly after 10 a.m., responding to what witnesses said sounded like an explosion before flames and smoke filled the air, as per the reports.

Videos showed intense flames on the rooftop with thick black smoke over the skyline. More than 100 FDNY firefighters and EMS workers rushed to the scene and stayed to control the blaze. ABC 7 reported the fire was caused by a buildup of gas in the basement. The building’s superintendent, who was in the basement, got a minor injury.

FDNY confirmed three firefighters also suffered minor injuries. Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry urged people on Facebook to avoid the area, saying over 140 emergency workers were on site. Local residents posted on Reddit about smelling strong burning odors and getting alerts about the three-alarm fire, as per the report by The Hindustan times.

ALSO READ: NYC explosion: 3 firefighters and superintendent suffer minor injuries in Upper East Side Manhattan fire

Canadian wildfires and smoke

Four days earlier, wildfires in Canada sent smoke through central Canada, the Great Lakes, and the northeastern U.S., triggering air quality alerts. The worst smoke was in small towns in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as stated by the reports.

Heavy haze spread to cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, Toronto, and Buffalo, where air quality went above 150, a level harmful even for healthy people. East Coast cities, including New York City, saw hazy skies but air quality stayed below 100.

Airport fire incident

In the month of July an American Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 had a maintenance issue with a tyre while on the runway at Denver Airport, bound for Miami. The Denver Fire Department responded and extinguished a small fire.

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All 173 passengers and six crew were evacuated safely; five people were checked for injuries, but only one had a minor injury and was taken to a medical facility, as per the reports.

Year-to-date fire stats

According to the report by the National Interagency Fire Center, year-to-date fire stats (2025) shows the number of fires is 43,654 and the acres burned is 3,688,222, 17,731 firefighters and support staff are working. Equipment in use is 350 crews, 1,014 engines, 135 helicopters. Extreme fire behavior is happening, especially in the Rocky Mountain area.

As per the National Interagency Fire Center data the causes & risks are dry lightning and dry vegetation in the Intermountain West could spark new fires. Most fires (98%) are stopped quickly during the initial attack phase.

FAQs

Q1: What caused the NYC fire on the Upper East Side?
The fire was caused by a buildup of gas in the basement of a seven-story apartment building.

Q2: How many large fires are burning in the U.S. in 2025?
There are 46 large fires currently burning across eight U.S. regions, covering 784,817 acres, as per the National Interagency Fire Center.