In normal times, and even now as businesses are starting to reopen a little more in New York City, the famous Diamond District is bustling day and night.
But on Tuesday night, people stood in shock as several fires burned on West 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Outside Jewels By Jacob, it wasn’t precious jewels that were getting attention, but rather the glow of small fires.
“It was pretty crazy. I’ve never seen anything that before on 47th Street. Just flames going up, just random,” said Sammy Ghassabian, vice president of the business. He said he couldn’t believe his eyes, witnesses dumpsters and trash aflame. Police said someone set the fires around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. The alleged arsonist has some who make their living in the well-known part of the city worried.