[NewsPoster]

The Upper West Side Apple Store in New York City has temporarily closed as a result of a nearby fire, accounts say. Smoke from the fire has engulfed the area, and a worker at the store confirms that the Apple Store has been evacuated, and all appointments cancelled for the immediate future. It's not known when the outlet might reopen.

Some initial accounts suggested that the store itself was on fire, but later ones pointed out the mistake. The Upper West Side outlet is one of Apple's signature locations; aside from being in a prominent New York City neighborhood, it was the first Apple Store to use an arched glass roof.

[coffeetime]

Is this another Apple Store robbery attempt that failed? Theives don't rob banks or jewelry stores these days.

[SegNerd]

The cause of the fire has not been officially determined, but it happened at a nearby restaurant called Ollie's Noodles.

In my opinion, it would make a lot more sense to guess "Restaurant accident causes fire" than to guess "Someone tried to steal some iPads by incinerating them," but admittedly I am just guessing.

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130103/lincoln-square/fire-breaks-out-broadway-restaurant-near-lincoln-center-fdny-says