NEW YORK (NBC) — A propane fire forced an evacuation of Liberty Island Monday, authorities say, sending hundreds of tourists crowding back near the docks as crews worked to douse the flames.
There was no immediate word on possible injuries in the fire, which broke out jsut before noon.
Video posted to the Citizen app showed what appeared to be a small propane tank fire by a dumpster on the island, near where a new museum is being constructed.
Last month, on the Fourth of July, the island was evacuated after a woman scaled the base of the Statue of Liberty during an “Abolish ICE” protest. She spent hours sitting on Lady Liberty’s green cloak, weaving her way around corners as specialized NYPD crew tried to coax her down. Eventually, they did.
She was charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct and other crimes and pleaded not guilty to all the charges in Manhattan Federal Court the next day.
