A restaurant fire that sent smoke through ductwork into a 43-story Midtown office tower brought a third-alarm FDNY response to 520 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York, on July 17, 2026.

FDNY was called shortly before 7 a.m., with first-due companies arriving in less than four minutes. Members determined the fire originated in the kitchen of Papillon Bistro & Bar at 22 East 54th Street. Fire involving the restaurant's duct system sent smoke into the adjoining commercial high-rise, creating a complex high-rise operation.

The incident escalated to a third alarm, bringing more than 90 FDNY fire and EMS units and over 220 members to the scene. Because smoke had entered the tower, companies were required to check all 43 floors while coordinating with building personnel to evacuate approximately 200 occupants.

Five civilians suffered minor injuries, with one transported to an area hospital. The fire was placed under control at approximately 9:30 a.m. The cause remains under investigation.