Marijuana-Growing Equipment Caused Deadly Westchester Co-Op Fire: YPD

YONKERS, NY — Police said today that the cause of a five-alarm fatal fire has been linked to marijuana-growing equipment found in the building.

On Wednesday, shortly before 1 a.m., Yonkers first responders, including fire, police and EMS, were called to the seven-story, 95-unit co-op building fire on Bronx River Road.

Yonkers firefighters and police officers began evacuating residents and fighting the blaze, which had reached the roof. Around 65 people were sheltered in the Scotti Community Center north of the fire scene, with the assistance of the Office of Emergency Management. Fire departments from other jurisdictions provided mutual aid to combat the general alarm fire which was finally brought under control hours later.

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Dozens of firefighters and several residents suffered non-life-threatening injuries. However, 67-year-old Michael Damiano, a resident of the fourth-floor, died.

Arson investigators found that the fire started in a first-floor apartment. The investigators determined that the likely cause and origin was an electric heating lamp used to cultivate six marijuana plants that a resident was growing for personal use.

Evidence collected at the scene and statements from the resident lead investigators to believe that the lamp detached from its hanging support and broke, sparked on the floor, starting the fire, according to officials.

Investigators said once the resident discovered the fire, he raised the alarm and alerted his neighbors.

"We continue to keep the victims of this senseless fire in our prayers, especially for the fire’s sole fatality," Mayor Mike Spano said in a statement released today. "I am proud of Yonkers first responders and city employees for their swift and courageous actions to minimize additional severe injuries or possible deaths. The cause of this tragedy only highlights the need for greater guidelines and regulations when it comes to legalized marijuana production so to avoid incidents like this in the future — so much more has to be done."

This remains an ongoing investigation and is being reviewed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The NYS Office of Cannabis Management has yet to issue regulations governing home cultivation of cannabis, meaning adult use home cultivation of cannabis plants is currently not allowed, city officials said.

"The tragedy of this incident is compounded by how avoidable it was," Commissioner Chris Sapienza said. "We have seen before how dangerous these high-powered devices can be, and without regulations or guidelines to protect the public, people are unnecessarily being placed at risk – marijuana laws need to be fixed, be it cultivation or smoke shops; our communities demand it. The YPD extends our deepest sympathies to the family of the victim and remains committed to supporting the displaced residents."