The evacuations were a precaution because of the fires in front of 328 East 59th Street, between First and Second Avenues.
It started at around 2:40 p.m. on Friday
Electrical contractors working in the area heard popping, and quickly moved as the fires started burning. No one was injured.
Initially, it was thought the fires were located in manholes, but officials later said that was not the case.
The evacuated buildings are 4 and 5 stories high.
An exposed gas main and electrical lines are next to the area, which is why the buildings were evacuated.
Con Ed was on the scene.
