Fatal fire in New Rochelle Electric, deemed not suspicious: chief

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

5 2 minutes read

NEW ROCHELLE – Two people are dead after a building fire in New Rochelle Friday morning.

New Rochelle Fire Chief Andrew Sandor said the fire broke out around 7:10 a.m. at 30 Eastchester Road, a building across the street from Iona University.

Sandor said firefighters responded to several calls of heavy gunfire coming from a third-floor apartment and reports of people trapped inside. Most residents were able to evacuate safely, but Sandor said two people were evacuated from the building and confirmed dead.

Sandor said the victims were Maria Arreola, 47, and her son Andrew Salomon, 26, 26, both from New Rochelle. The chief said the cause of the fire was electrical, with investigators discovering “an electrical outlet overloaded with extension cords.” According to Sandor, the fire is not considered suspicious.

Amanda Cajigas said she was preparing to go to work in the New Rochelle school district when her cousin, who lives in the same apartment complex, called her about the fire.

“I kind of panicked. I got up quickly, woke up my brother, grabbed my dog and immediately we ran,” Cajigas said. “I was on the sixth floor but as I went down I could smell the smoke more. The apartment looked so dark. You could see the fire reaching the ceiling and coming out the window. It was crazy.”

After several hours, residents were allowed to be taken back to their unit if they needed to collect their personal items, such as medications. However, Sandor says the scene is still active and under investigation. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.

The American Red Cross was assisting displaced residents there. Jim Killoran, president of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City, was also at the scene. He said people should pack a “go bag” at all times in case they cannot return home.

“I know that when someone loses their home, people are going to need a place to go and calm down and ease their anxiety,” Killoran said. “The Fuller Center responds quickly and I'm honored that the fire marshals, police and guys know me. They will call me to come and be a part of the audience.”

Killoran said anyone with information about temporary apartments or clothing for displaced people can email him at [email protected].

Lina Portman

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