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Man Arrested After Setting Bronx Home Fire
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 14, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 14, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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A couple trapped in their burning apartment at the Bronxdale houses was rescued by firefighters. And it turns out the husband was the one who started the fire.
Fifty-two-year-old Abraham Serrano confessed that he and his wife had gotten into a fight, so he lit a piece of paper on fire and then set many other objects in a bedroom on fire. Neighbors called 911, and firefighters responded. Seven people, including Serrano's wife, were injured; firefighters also reportedly had trouble getting Serrano out. Needless to say, neighbors are pissed as well.
A neighbor told WABC 7 that Serrano claimed to be a pastor, too, "He had candles all over the house and he trapped her in the room. He set fire to the curtains and stuff like that and said, he wanted to get rid of the devil from the apartment. The devil seemed to be him."
Serrano was charged with arson and reckless endangerment. Here are fire safety tips from the FDNY for fires in high-rise apartments, including what to do when the fire isn't in your home.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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