SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) — Investigators are continuing to search for answers after a deadly fire tore through a Sunset Park home, killing six people and raising renewed concerns about illegal apartment conversions and lithium-ion battery safety.
Officials have not yet determined what sparked the blaze, which engulfed the home and trapped residents inside. Video from the scene showed flames shooting from windows as firefighters worked to rescue occupants.
The investigation is expected to examine both the cause of the fire and the emergency response, including efforts by firefighters to pull people from the burning building.
Department of Buildings records show three complaints alleging illegal construction at the property, including claims that the basement had been converted into an apartment and that apartments on the first and second floors had been divided into additional units.
Records indicate the complaints were closed after inspectors were unable to gain access to the building during four separate attempts between September 2025 and August 2026. Buildings Department inspectors generally do not have the authority to enter a residence without owner cooperation or legal authorization.
The most recent complaint, filed in August, alleged the basement was being illegally converted into an apartment.
Investigators have confirmed that multiple people were living in the home, including at least five people on the first floor and six on the second floor. Authorities are still working to determine whether anyone was living in the basement.
Illegal apartment conversions have long posed challenges for city officials and can create dangerous conditions during emergencies. Fire officials say unauthorized subdivisions may impede escape routes and are not always built to code. Investigators have not said whether any alleged illegal construction contributed to the deaths.
Fire officials used the tragedy to remind New Yorkers to have an emergency escape plan in place.
“Always have a plan for fire. Fire breaks out, what are you going to do when a fire breaks out in your home? How will you escape?” FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn said.
Another focus of the investigation involves lithium-ion batteries. Officials said two batteries were found at the scene, along with what appeared to be a charred e-bike.
Authorities have not said whether the batteries or e-bike were connected to the cause of the fire.
There have been 86 fire deaths this year, which is nearly double the 44 at this this time last year.
This year, there have been eight deaths from fires sparked by e-batteries, and nine if you include the delivery person who died from injuries sustained in a 2023 fire.
E-bike deaths have been on a decline since 18 in 2023. There were six in 2024 and just one last year. The city has had 406 fires caused by e-batteries this year, with 70 injuries. During the same period last year, the city had 241 fires, with 42 injuries.
