BROOKLYN, NY — Fire Marshals arrested 54-year-old Cassius Moss for allegedly setting a dangerous 3-alarm fire on June 4th at 922 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced Tuesday.
According to officials, Moss used an ignitable liquid to ignite the blaze that quickly spread through the three-story building and damaged two adjacent structures at 920 and 924 Lafayette Avenue. The original building completely collapsed, and firefighters battled the fire for over four hours.
Fire units responded swiftly at 1:31 p.m., arriving within three minutes. The intense fire involved approximately 138 firefighters and EMS personnel. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries.
An investigation led by the Bureau of Fire Investigation revealed that Moss was captured on surveillance purchasing a bottle of accelerant from a nearby deli. He then returned to the scene, poured the accelerant on the floor, and ignited it with a cigarette lighter before fleeing.
Moss faces multiple charges, including Arson in the Second Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. Notably, he was previously arrested for arson in July 2023 by the same bureau. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.
Following his arraignment, Moss was remanded to custody pending trial.
Commissioner Tucker condemned the reckless act, emphasizing the danger posed to residents and firefighters, and praised the investigative work leading to the arrest.
