By Luke Peteley
Staten Island Advance
NEW YORK — A “deep-seated” fire charred one home and spread to two others in West Brighton on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a massive FDNY response and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The blaze, which is under investigation by the Fire Marshals, is being probed as “suspicious,” Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms, the FDNY borough commander, said in a press conference at the scene shortly after the fire was brought under control.
Firefighters who responded to the block around 1 p.m. found “heavy fire in the rear” of the structure at 131 North Burgher Ave., Simms said.
The fire also damaged two homes to the left of that residence, 129 and 127 North Burgher Ave., Simms said.
“This was a heavy deep-seated fire that necessitated the use of three alarms,” Simms said, referring to the massive FDNY response.
All civilians were accounted for, and there were no immediate reports of injuries, Simms said.
The smoke condition prompted a dramatic warning from the city’s Notify NYC alert system: “Expect smoke & traffic delays in the area. People nearby avoid smoke, close windows.”
A large number of FDNY officials were on the scene, with dozens of vehicles and several engines lining the surrounding streets.
Simms noted that there were as many as six hose lines and a tower ladder used to combat the blaze. Firefighters could be seen navigating the ladder as they worked to beat back the fire.
Flames and charring were visible on the top floor of 131 North Burgher Ave., which appeared to have suffered the worst damage.
The fire is being investigated by the Fire Marshals and was initially believed to be “suspicious,” Simms said.
One person was taken into custody at the scene, officials said, though no charges have been announced at this time.
FDNY officials did not immediately release information on why the fire was believed to be suspicious.
In addition to the FDNY, officials from the NYPD, National Grid and Red Cross were also at the site.
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