Plainview Man Arrested for Arson After Memorial Day House Fire, 2 Firefighters Hurt
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. - A 40-year-old Plainview man has been arrested and charged with arson following a house fire that broke out on Memorial Day that send two firefighters to the hospital.
The blaze broke out around 7:50 p.m., quickly escalating into a two-alarm fire that gutted the home and sent flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Dozens of neighbors, many in the midst of holiday celebrations, rushed into the street to watch as nearly 100 firefighters from six departments responded to the scene.
Credit: Priority News Network
Credit: Priority News Network
An investigation determined that Jahan Kia, 40, a tenant of the home, intentionally set a fire in the basement stairwell, officials said. He was taken into custody at the scene. No other residents were inside the home at the time of the fire.
Tragically, two dogs and one cat were found deceased inside the home as firefighters combed through the devastation.
Credit: Priority News Network
Officials confirmed that no smoke alarms were present in the home at the time of the incident, a factor that could have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nassau County Police Arson/Bomb Squad responded to investigate.
Two firefighters suffered injuries while battling the blaze and were transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns to their hands. No additional injuries were reported.
Kia is charged with Arson 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, and Torturing/Injuring Animals.
