Manhattan High Rise Blaze

Several people were injured Monday in a high-rise fire in a Manhattan apartment building.

The blaze was first reported at about 11:30AM in a 37-story building. More than 60 firetrucks and some 200 firefighters reported to the downtown scene at East 27th street near the East River.

According to authorities, the flames were contained to an apartment on the 24th floor. Residents in that part of the building were evacuated.

Onlookers watched the high rise as it burned.    (AP)SIZE>

Two civilians and two police officers also had minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals.

Fire department spokesman David Billig told CBS Radio 880 that firefighters were forced to climb a large amount of stairs while burdened with heavy equipment to battle the blaze.

The fire caused the 23rd, 24th and 25th floors to be evacuated. Other residents were told to stay in their apartments with doors closed.

©MMI Viacom Internet Services Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report