A Brooklyn man was arrested this week after he burned down his own home while setting off 'illegal fireworks' in the driveway of h...
A Brooklyn man was arrested this week after he burned down his own home while setting off 'illegal fireworks' in the driveway of his residence.
Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced the arrest of Damien Bend, 36, on Thursday.
Officials said he was arrested for arson in connection to the house fire that was 'ignited by illegal fireworks'.
The incident was captured on surveillance footage in the area and shows Bend and two other people standing in the driveway as he sets off the fireworks.
The incident was captured on surveillance footage in the area and shows Bend and two other people standing in the driveway as he sets off the fireworks when one of the pyrotechnics goes through his window (right)
Bend continued to set off the remaining fireworks before entering his house to retrieve more. Even after entering the home where the firework had started burning, it didn't appear that Bend realized the firework had started a fire (pictured near the window) in the home
By the time Bend and his friends realized the house was on fire, flames were seen bursting through the window
In the video, Bend is seen igniting pyrotechnics in the driveway when a burst from one of them entered an open window on the first floor.
Bend continued to set off the remaining fireworks before entering his house to retrieve more.
Even after entering the home where the firework had started burning, it didn't appear that Bend realized the firework had started a fire in the home.
By the time Bend and his friends realized the house was on fire, flames were seen bursting through the window.
They are then seen trying to put the fire out using a water hose to no avail.
Firefighters responded to Bend's home at 1709 East 51 Street in Brooklyn during the evening of June 24 for reports of a fire on the first floor of a two-story home.
They are then seen trying to put the fire out using a water hose to no avail
Authorities said the blaze took 12 units and 60 members to bring under control. Fire Marshals subsequently conducted an investigation and determined that the fire was incendiary. The home is seen after the fire
Bend has been charged with arson in the fourth degree and will be prosecuted by the Brooklyn District Attorney's office. Bend's home is pictured before the fire
Authorities said the blaze took 12 units and 60 members to bring under control.
Fire Marshals subsequently conducted an investigation and determined that the fire was incendiary.
'Illegal fireworks pose significant dangers to the safety of New Yorkers and their property,' said Commissioner Nigro.
'Our Fire Marshals will continue to actively enforce the laws relating to illegal possession and sales of fireworks in New York City.'
Bend has been charged with arson in the fourth degree and will be prosecuted by the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.
In the last nine days, Fire Marshals have arrested 17 people and confiscated approximately $36,700 worth of illegal fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in New York City.
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