PHOTOS: Amid the investigation of an arson fire in West Brighton, the FDNY revealed the more common causes of several recent blazes on Staten Island. Fire Marshals determined that electrical issues and careless use of smoking materials resulted in some recent accidental blazes, according to the FDNY. โCareless smoking remains one of the leading causes of fire deaths,โ according to fire safety tips from the FDNY. โSmokers are seven times more likely than non-smokers to be fire victims.โ
โSuspiciousโ fire burns 3 homes
Harry Torres, 37, was arrested in connection with a raging fire that damaged three residential buildings in West Brighton on Wednesday. Authorities allege that Torres started the blaze that burned his home at 129 North Burgher Ave. and two adjoining properties. He was taken into custody by Fire Marshals at the scene on Wednesday, the FDNY said on X.
Blaze in Concord
Firefighters responded to an electrical fire on April 2 at a residence at 215 Oder Ave. in Concord, according to the FDNY. The blaze was reported around 9:20 p.m. in the basement of a two-story home located between Palma Drive and Steuben Street, according to the FDNY. Twelve units comprising 60 firefighters and EMS personnel brought the fire under control at approximately 10 p.m. with no injuries reported.
Garage fire in Arrochar
The FDNY responded in Arrochar to a fire caused by careless use of smoking materials that damaged vehicles and a garage on April 1. Firefighters responded to 48 MacFarland Ave. between Wallace Avenue and Hastings Avenue after receiving a call just before noon. About 12 units consisting of 60 Fire and EMS personnel responded to the blaze in the detached garage. Firefighters worked to hack away the charred wood and gutters loosely clinging to the overhang above what remained of a destroyed Range Rover. A BMW parked in front of a parallel garage appeared to have suffered burn damage from the heat and was also hosed down by first responders.
Firefighters injured in New Brighton
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries as the FDNY battled an electrical fire in New Brighton on March 31. The fire was reported at 9:33 a.m. at 5 Haven Esplanade between Castleton Avenue and Silver Lake Road. The injured firefighters were taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, the FDNY spokesman said. About 12 units and 60 firefighters brought the fire under control in less than an hour, at 10:19 a.m. A family with a dog living at that location were all safe after the fire.
Smoking leads to fire in West Brighton
On March 29, smoking led to a fire in West Brighton where an occupant of the home was injured. About 12 FDNY units and 60 firefighters responded to a fire at a two-story home at 15 West St. in West Brighton. The incident was reported just before 2 p.m. and placed under control by 2:30 p.m., an FDNY spokesperson said. A woman was observed walking to an ambulance escorted by EMS and FDNY personnel.
Dramatic blaze in Tompkinsville
Smoking caused a dramatic two-alarm fire where three firefighters sustained injuries in Tompkinsville on March 22. Firefighters were called to 7 Rosewood Place, near Cebra Avenue around 7:05 p.m. and found the multi-story home burning. The fire is believed to have started on the second floor of the residential building, the FDNY spokesman said. About 106 fire and EMS personnel and 25 units fought the fire, which was brought under control about two hours later at 9:12 p.m.
