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FDNY says Bronx fire that killed 3 was intentionally set with gasoline
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 14, 2026
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 14, 2026
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The man accused of starting a deadly fire in the Bronx earlier this month is now accused of intentionally setting it, according to the FDNY.
The fire department announced Thursday that investigators determined the May 6 blaze was “intentionally set with gasoline” and identified the suspect as Daniel Santana.
The fire broke out shortly after 5 a.m. at a mixed-use building at 2592 Third Ave. in Mott Haven, where firefighters encountered heavy flames on the building's first and second floors, authorities have said. Three people were killed.
FDNY officials said crews had to switch to exterior operations because of the intensity of the fire and concerns the building could collapse. Parts of the structure later underwent a controlled demolition so crews could safely recover the victims’ remains, officials said.
“This heinous crime took the lives of three New Yorkers and endangered the lives of our first responders,” Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said in a statement Thursday.
FDNY officials said they have not determined a possible motive for the fire.
Santana was arrested on Thursday and faces multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, arson and reckless endangerment.
Attorney information for Santana was not immediately available on Thursday.
Tagged
bronx
public safety
the bronx
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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