Destinations
Travel Destinations to Watch For in 2027
Noreen Kompanik
ALG Vacations Blog
Unlock Business Growth at ALG's Pro Power Hour
Opinions
Why Kid-Free Flights, Travel Packages Could Be the Next Big Travel Trend
Jessica Puckett
Hotels and Resorts
Celebrate the Spirit of Thanksgiving at Devossion by Live Aqua
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection
Jamaica
Features & Advice
Tell Your Brand's Story with the TravelPulse Content Strategy Program
Education
Fort Myers Specialist Program
Baja California Specialist Program
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, but it was evacuated Monday due to a fire that broke out at a construction site on the island.
According to Reuters.com, the blaze broke out Monday at around 12 p.m. local time on Liberty Island near three propane gas cylinders found on a construction site. Officials called for an evacuation "out of an abundance of caution."
In total, around 3,400 tourists and employees visiting the Statue of Liberty were ferried off the island to nearby Ellis Island.
New York Fire Department spokesman Jim Long told Reuters the fire left one construction worker injured and forced officials to use two fire boats to stop the flames. The blaze was brought under control by the early afternoon.
Assistant Fire Chief Roger Sakowich said on Twitter that if the propane tanks exploded, it would have been catastrophic.
With that much propane, had one of the tanks exploded - it was would have been catastrophic. We took the precaution to evacuate 3,400 civilians from the island. There was one worker who sustained a non-life-threatening injury. -#FDNY Assistant Chief Roger Sakowich- FDNY (@FDNY) August 27, 2018
With that much propane, had one of the tanks exploded - it was would have been catastrophic. We took the precaution to evacuate 3,400 civilians from the island. There was one worker who sustained a non-life-threatening injury. -#FDNY Assistant Chief Roger Sakowich
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty reopened later Monday afternoon and tourists are once again allowed to visit the historical site.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Trump Administration Nixes 13 Routes by Mexican Airlines in Fight Over Fair Competition
Delta Air Lines Launching First Nonstop Flights Between US, Saudi Arabia
Lawmakers Introduce New Bill to Make Air Travel Safer
Travelers Can Now Book American Airlines' Flagship Suites on This US Route
Delta Opens Its Second-Largest Sky Club in Salt Lake City
Frontier Adds Flights to New Orleans for Mardi Gras Season
Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines Unveil Single Operating Certificate with FAA
Travel Industry Steps Up After Hurricane Melissa Impacts Caribbean
Flight Delays Continue as Government Shutdown Drags On
From a Travel Agent: What Helps You Succeed?
Century Cruises Introduces a Fresh River Cruise Option in Europe
ALGV President Ray Snisky Discusses New Updates, Reflects on 5 Year Anniversary of Acquisition by Hyatt
What’s New at W Punta Cana All Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic
Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.
