3 busted in fireworks inferno
FDNY FIRE MARSHALS arrested three Bronx men accused of igniting a large blaze while having a “fireworks fight” with illegal fireworks, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said on Sunday.
Alejandro Soler, 27, Nabindranauth Nandalall, 23, and Shivnarine Lauchman, 23, each face charges such as fourth-degree arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and illegal possession of fireworks for the Thursday house fire on Olmstead Ave., near Haviland Ave., in Soundview.
The three men admitted to having a “fireworks fight” just before the blaze erupted, authorities said.
The fire started in the back of the house, then quickly extended to the basement, both floors, and the roof, then spread to six more houses and several vehicles parked nearby. Nine people were injured, including eight firefighters.
“Thanks to the excellent and rigorous investigative work of FDNY fire marshals, three individuals are charged with the reckless endangerment of Bronx residents and nearly 200 firefighters,” said Nigro. “This fire is a reminder that fireworks are illegal in New York City — and as witnessed in this fire can be dangerous to both firefighters and civilians alike.”
The men admitted they purchased the fireworks in Westchester County, officials said.
While it is illegal to sell or use fireworks in New York City, they recently became legal in several counties and cities outside the city — a change in law that both the city and the FDNY fought.