Fireworks blamed for fire that destroyed 3 homes; FASNY responds

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (AP) – Police say a 10-year-old boy playing with fireworks started a fire that destroyed three homes in Amsterdam.

Fire department officials in Amsterdam say the blaze started around 7 p.m. Monday behind a vacant house on West Main Street. The fast-moving flames destroyed that house along with two nearby occupied homes.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters saved two other homes by constantly dousing them with water.

Police Sgt. Thomas Hennessy says the boy will be charged as a juvenile and the case will be handled in family court.

After a fire in Amsterdam, NY on Monday night was deemed to be caused by a child playing with fireworks, FASNY President Robert McConville, NYS Association of Fire Chiefs President Joseph M. Fahd, and Association of Fire Districts of the State New York President Anthony J. Gallino issued the following joint statement:

“Fireworks are incredibly dangerous. The fire service has vocally opposed any legalization of fireworks, sparklers, and related devices so as to protect the safety of the public. Despite this, New York State continues to loosen the laws regulating fireworks. On Monday night in Amsterdam, multiple homes were destroyed and numerous people left homeless because a child was playing with something that too many consider to be a ‘toy.’ While thankfully there were no reported injuries in this incident, it is likely only a matter of time before somebody is seriously hurt by fireworks. We urge the public not to use fireworks, sparklers, or any similar devices, and recommends enjoying one of the countless official, permitted fireworks displays in New York State. Furthermore, we urge Albany to reconsider legalizing these dangerous devices.”

For local tips on fireworks safety, watch the segment from the Boonville Fire Chief Fire David Pritchard