Video: Man Arrested After Fireworks Burn Down Brooklyn Home

BROOKLYN, NY — A man is facing arson charges after fireworks he set off in the driveway burned down a house in Brooklyn, the FDNY announced.

Damien Bend, 36, was arrested by fire marshals Friday for the June 24 fire that engulfed a home at 1709 East 51st Street in the Flatlands neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Bend, caught on nearby surveillance cameras, was lighting illegal fireworks in the driveway when a burst from one fo them went into an open window on the first floor of the house, according to FDNY.

The 36-year-old, who is seen in the video with a few others watching the fireworks, kept setting off the pyrotechnics as the fire spread inside. He finally noticed the flames when he went inside to get more fireworks, FDNY said.

The fire took 60 firefighters to put under control.

“Illegal fireworks pose significant dangers to the safety of New Yorkers and their property,” said Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Our Fire Marshals will continue to actively enforce the laws relating to illegal possession and sales of fireworks in New York City.”

Bend faces fourth-degree arson charges and will be prosecuted by the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, the FDNY said.

His arrest comes as Mayor Bill de Blasio's special task force to crack down on fireworks tries to control the use of the illegal pyrotechnics, which have been plaguing the city for weeks.

In the last nine days, Fire Marshals have arrested 17 people and confiscated approximately $36,700 worth of illegal fireworks, the FDNY said.

"Fireworks are illegal in New York City," the department wrote. "FDNY urges all New Yorkers to call 311 to anonymously report the use, delivery, or sale of fireworks. If you see something dangerous, call 911."