This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
On Sunday morning, a smoky fire at the Hyatt Times Square on West 45th Street prompted the evacuation of guests, with three people suffering minor injuries.
The fire, which started in duct work, was reported at approximately 7:40 a.m., according to a Fire Department spokesman.
Linda Lawrence, a guest from Plymouth Meeting, Pa., was visiting New York for one night with her family when the fire alarm sounded. Initially, they ignored it due to frequent false alarms, but her daughters soon spotted heavy billowing smoke and a burning rubber smell.
Ms. Lawrence and her family made their way down 49 flights of stairs, with some guests offering assistance and kindness along the way. She praised the evacuation as well-organized, despite the challenges faced by her young daughters.
Ms. Lawrence's family was in New York to celebrate her daughter Charlee's birthday, and they had chosen a high floor at the hotel to make the experience special.
