BY EMILY DAVENPORT AND LLOYD MITCHELL
A fire broke out in a Brooklyn brownstone that appeared to be home to squatters on Monday night.
At around 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 11, the FDNY responded to a call regarding a fire at 283 Monroe Street. FDNY units rushed to the second and third floors and the roof of the building, which was under renovation.
“This is one of the worst fires I’ve seen on this block. There was fire everywhere,” said Brooklyn resident Arthur Mac.
The fire escalated to a two-alarm fire at 7:55 p.m. when the fire started to spread to adjoining properties. The fire was brought under control by 10 p.m. One firefighter suffered injuries as a result and was taken to an area hospital. According to FDNY Assistant Chief Joseph Jardin, there maybe have been squatters living in the building.
“There were squatters in and out of the building,” said Either Nelson. “We’ve called the buildings department several times.”
The cause of the fire in under investigation.
