Arsonist Sets Fatal 5-Alarm Fire in Little Italy, Now in Custody

At roughly 6:42 pm this evening, a massive 5-alarm fire tore through 41 Spring Street in Little Italy (near Mulberry), killing one resident, inuring two civilians and seven firefighters. Two hundred first responders battled the blaze for nearly three hours before finally gaining control.

According to NYPD spokesman Paul Browne, the victim was found on the third floor fire escape “burned beyond recognition.” One suspect is currently in custody, described as a 45-year-old Asian male. Apparently he lived on the second floor (apartment 2A) of the building and sparked the blaze in the hallway after a domestic dispute with a woman described as the mother of his child.

Browne also noted that a vacationing firefighter from Los Angeles dining in a nearby establishment noticed the fire and rushed to render services. The suspect stood in the doorway to firmly prevent entry to any first responders, and was later subdued. One police officer broke a hand during the alleged altercation.