Man Arrested for Starting Brooklyn Building Fire Linked to Dispute with Fellow Squatter, According to Police
A devastating fire that erupted in a Brooklyn apartment building on June 4, 2025, was allegedly set by a squatter who claimed to have been robbed by another unauthorized tenant. The individual in question, identified as 54-year-old Cassius Moss, has been charged with both arson and reckless endangerment in connection with the blaze that severely impacted the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.
According to law enforcement officials, Moss confessed to igniting the fire using a flammable liquid, resulting in significant damage to the apartment building and injuring one firefighter. The incident not only led to residents being displaced, but also caused considerable structural damage to an adjacent building. Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Robert Tucker condemned Moss’s actions, noting the inherent danger posed to both residents and first responders during such emergencies.
Initial investigations, aided by security footage, revealed that Moss purchased an accelerant from a local deli before returning to the Lafayette Avenue building. He reportedly poured the hazardous liquid on the floor and ignited it with a cigarette lighter, triggering the inferno. The fire spread rapidly, leading to the complete collapse of the three-story building and extensive damage to three neighboring structures.
Over 100 emergency responders, including firefighters and emergency medical service personnel, were deployed to the scene, working tirelessly for approximately four hours to bring the fire under control. The response was swift, with firefighters tackling the flames while minimizing further risks to nearby residents and properties.
Witnesses from the community expressed suspicions regarding the building’s use as a squat by unauthorized individuals, with one neighbor mentioning accumulating garbage and prior complaints to city services. Accounts point to a troubling trend of instability and illegal occupancy in the area, raising broader concerns about housing security and safety in urban environments.
Miraculously, the only injury reported was that of a firefighter who received minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by illegal activities and unauthorized occupancy in residential neighborhoods.
As investigations continue, authorities are reaffirming their commitment to holding individuals accountable for actions that jeopardize public safety. This incident underlines the challenges faced by law enforcement and city agencies in addressing the complexities of housing, fire safety, and community well-being in urban settings.
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