The problems with manholes this time of year

They explode.

From the Times today: There have been at least 19 manhole fires or explosions since New Year's Day in New York City. Per the article:

All these incidents — only one of which involved an injury, minor — are part of an annual cycle as predictable as crocuses in March and mosquitoes in June: the surge in manhole fires as salty slush seeps down into the city’s maze of subterranean utility closets.

How to explain the manhole explosions then in other times of the year...? Such as in September ... or October...

Manhole cleanup continues on Seventh Street

Crews are still working after today's manhole "problem" on Seventh Street between Avenue A and First Avenue...

[Updated!] Exploding manholes on Avenue A and Seventh Street

[Updated 12:24] Whoa. Appears that this is much more serious than firefighters on the scene led me to believe. Gothamist is reporting that two buildings had to be evacuated. Per Gothamist: "The Fire Department is responding to multiple manhole fires on East 7th Street between First Avenue and Avenue A. We hear that two buildings (with 18 civilians) were evacuated and Con Ed is also on the scene."

You can see one of the fires here via @benjaminbojko:



Earlier.

A little excitement here on Avenue A and Seventh Street in the last hour... depending on who you ask, the manhole (no snickering!) cover here either exploded into the air.... Or! A lot of steam starting pouring from it... In any event, a lot of firefighters and ConEd workers responded to the scene... It was all under control, and the officials on duty didn't think that it was any big deal...









...the situation also provided a little entertainment for Marlene....