An underground electrical fire outside a Bronx nursing home knocked out power in the area and forced the evacuation of 19 elderly critical-care residents yesterday amid fears that poisonous fumes could seep into the building, fire officials said.
The Fieldston Nursing Home on Kappock Street in Riverdale did not lose power because backup generators kicked in.
But because of the fire, carbon monoxide levels hit dangerous levels, requiring the patients to be evacuated. None of the 189 residents or staffers was injured.
Firefighters used high-powered fans to clear the building of fumes.
Some 100 firefighters remained on the scene late yesterday as Con Edison workers repaired the damage.