UES building fire: Resident heard apparent blast before seeing smoke

3 firefighters injured in Upper East Side fire

FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas speaks to the residents of an Upper East Side building that went up in flames earlier today.

NEW YORK - A fire broke out Friday morning on the roof of a residential building on the Upper East Side, according to the FDNY. 

What they're saying:

Residents reported seeing thick plumes of smoke rising from the roof of 305 E. 95th St., between Second and First avenues, around 10 a.m. Citizen video captured the smoke billowing high into the sky.

FOX 5 NY’s Richard Giacovis spoke with a resident who said they were working from home when they heard a loud explosion and felt part of the building shake before the fire. He said he then grabbed what he could and rushed outside. 

Residents are currently watching from below as firefighters climb through the building.

What we know:

The FDNY said the call came in at 10:04 a.m. for a reported fire on the building’s roof. 

As of 11:06 a.m., the fire had been upgraded to a third alarm, and crews are still working to get it under control. By noon, crews were able to stop the fire from spreading further, with more than 170 first responders on the scene.

Officials say the fire began on the roof and quickly spread from three penthouses on the top floor. 

Three firefighters were injured. 

 The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.