Statement by Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta

Fire marshals have determined that last night's fatal fire in Coney Island, Brooklyn, was started by a child playing with butane lighter - similar to the one used a month ago that sparked a deadly fire in Queens.

Tragically, six people have now died in fires that were preventable, and that occurred because these devices found their way into the hands of young children.

I again urge parents and adults to heed the warnings we issued previously. Children think of these devices as toys, and in their hands the consequences can be deadly.

Press Contact: Francis X. Gribbon (FDNY) (718) 999-2056

http://www.nyc.gov/fdny