See Squatters? Say Something, Urges East NY Politician After Deadly Fire

EAST NEW YORK, BROOKLYN — A fire at 420 Lincoln Ave. Tuesday night that killed one person, rumored to be a squatter, is a reminder that residents should report all squatters to authorities, New York City Council Member Rafael Espinal Jr. said in a phone interview Thursday.

While Espinal Jr., who represents the district in which the fatal fire broke out, said he's still "not sure how the fire started," his office "constantly receives calls" about squatters in the area. He said anyone with knowledge of squatters' whereabouts should alert authorities who can direct them to the services they need, then secure the building and avoid hazardous situations.

"That way, the FDNY can go in with confidence knowing that no one else is inside," Espinal Jr. said.

The East New York fire, which began at around 8:30 p.m. and injured one firefighter, took more than two hours to bring under control and spread to two nearby buildings. Luckily, residents in those buildings managed to escape uninjured.

The building where the victim was killed had been listed as vacant by the FDNY.

Footage of Tuesday's fire was posted to Twitter. It showed heavy smoke and firefighters battling the blaze from ladder trucks:

"I encourage anyone who is aware of squatters in vacant buildings to please call 311 or your local council office so that we can maintain safety and act to prevent harm to all in our community," Espinal Jr. said Thursday. "My office can be reached anytime at 718-642-8664."

Lead image courtesy of the FDNY