Authorities have arrested a man following a fire that caused extensive damage to three homes in Staten Island and posed a serious threat to the life of an elderly resident. The incident reportedly began when the individual attempted to incinerate sex toys in his backyard.
The fire originated at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday at 131 North Burgher Ave., rapidly spreading to adjacent buildings and resulting in significant damage to all involved structures. FDNY officials initially described the fire as “suspicious.”
FDNY Borough Commander, Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms, noted the severity of the incident, stating that the fire was “heavy and deep-seated,” necessitating a three-alarm response from fire services. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the blaze did damage two vehicles in addition to the homes.
The fire forced a woman in her 80s, a long-time resident of one of the affected houses since 1987, to evacuate her home. Her adult children confirmed she was able to escape unharmed.
The man, identified as 37-year-old Harry Torres, confessed to starting the fire. According to a criminal complaint, Torres admitted to investigators that he had set fire to two sex toys in his backyard. Details from a police source indicated that the items included a “rubber vagina.”
Torres now faces charges of arson and reckless endangerment. The motive behind his actions and the reason for burning the sex toys remain unclear at this time.