Arsonist Seen On Video Torching 3-Story Building In Brooklyn, FDNY Says

BROOKLYN, NY — An alleged arsonist was captured on surveillance footage setting fire to a Brooklyn residential building, the FDNY said.

Cassius Moss, 54, was arrested and charged with arson for allegedly starting a three-alarm blaze that tore through a three-story residence at 922 Lafayette Ave. in Bedford-Stuyvesant last Wednesday afternoon, according to FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker.

"This reckless individual put the lives of residents and responding firefighters at risk when he set this fire," Tucker said. "Thanks to the excellent work of the outstanding Bureau of Fire Investigation, this individual was arrested and will be held responsible for his dangerous act."

One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze, Tucker added.

The fast-moving blaze ripped through the building, causing it to collapse and damaging two nearby buildings, according to the FDNY.

The blaze broke out around 1:31 p.m. and quickly grew to a third alarm, bringing about 138 fire and EMS personnel to the scene. By the time crews arrived, the building had already collapsed, and the neighboring buildings suffered heavy damage.

After more than four hours to contain the raging fire, fire marshals conducted an extensive video canvass that tracked Moss from 922 Lafayette Avenue to a nearby deli, where surveillance footage showed him purchasing a bottle of accelerant.

He was then seen on camera returning to the building, pouring the accelerant onto the floor, and using a cigarette lighter to ignite the fire before leaving the scene.

Moss faces multiple charges, including arson in the second degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree. He was previously arrested by the Bureau of Fire Investigation for arson in July 2023, though details about that case were not disclosed.