MANHATTAN – Popular Upper East Side eatery Flex Mussels won’t be serving customers a romantic dinner this Valentine’s day, hours after a fire broke out, damaging the restaurant and leaving the dining area reeking of smoke.
The flames sparked at Flex Mussels around 10:35 am Monday, officials say, while the seafood restaurant was still closed. FDNY crews were able to keep the fire contained to the rear of the building, where Flex Mussels’ kitchen is located.
A steady stream of firefighters were seen going in and out of the rear of the building— which was still visibly smoky from the fire— through an alleyway to the left of the restaurant, located on East 82nd Street between Third and Lexington Avenues on the Upper East Side.
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Fire trucks had their ladders extended to the roof of the building, though it appears no rescues were necessary. FDNY crews made quick work of the fire, knocking down the flames and giving the all clear less than 45 minutes later.
Restaurant staff could be seen surveying the damage in and outside Flex Mussels— one person could be heard crying while walking through the aftermath of this morning’s fire.
Late Monday evening, Flex Mussels told Upper East Site that the restaurant suffered significant damage and would be closed for a few weeks to undergo renovations.
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Neighbors were also evacuated from the apartments above the restaurant as well as the building next door as crews battled the fire— some were seen huddled in pajamas on the street.
The cause of Monday’s fire is under investigation, but thankfully, FDNY officials say no one was injured by the smoke and flames.
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