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Fire Breaks Out on Plaza Hotel Roof

By DNAinfo Staff on December 15, 2010 1:11pm  | Updated on December 15, 2010 2:29pm

Firefighters responded to a fire at the Plaza Hotel.
Firefighters responded to a fire at the Plaza Hotel.
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DNAinfo/Ben Fractenberg

By Ben Fractenberg and Mariel S. Clark

DNAinfo Staff

MIDTOWN — A fire broke out on the roof of the Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, the FDNY said.

The fire was not in the hotel itself and may have been a construction fire caused by renovations being done to the penthouse, officials on the scene said.

The fire broke out just after noon and was under control by about 1:30 p.m. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, according to the FDNY.

Central Park South remained open to traffic and although firefighters closed the entrance on that side, people continued to walk in and out of the Plaza's entrance on Grand Army Plaza, even as firefighters battled the blaze.

In fact, many people seemed unfazed by the blaze, instead stopping to take pictures in front of the fire trucks.

"We love the sounds of the fire engines, brings back memories" said Ralph Leent, 70, who was staying at the Plaza with his wife, Karen Cassyd-Leent, 65. The two used to live in New York before moving out west in the 60s.