May 14, 2026
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore announced Wednesday that FDNY Fire Marshals determined the cause of a second alarm fire in the Bronx that killed three people to be intentionally set with gasoline. Detectives from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) arrested and charged Daniel Santana for allegedly committing this crime.
“This heinous crime took the lives of three New Yorkers and endangered the lives of our first responders,” said Fire Commissioner Bonsignore. “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our Fire Marshals and our law enforcement partners, this dangerous individual will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
At 5:03 A.M. on Wednesday, May 6, firefighters responded to 2592 3rd Avenue in the Bronx for reports of a fire in a two-story mixed occupancy building. Units arrived in under four minutes to find heavy fire on the first and second floors. Due to the heavy fire condition and the possibility of a structural collapse, firefighters transitioned to exterior operations. Because of the significant structural damage caused by the fire, a controlled demolition was necessary to safely access key areas of the building. During the demolition operations, the remains of three deceased victims were recovered by FDNY personnel.
FDNY Fire Marshals responded to the scene and began an extensive investigation, in collaboration with the NYPD. Together, they conducted interviews with witnesses, canvassed the area and searched for surveillance video that captured the fire and suspect.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation, the New York City Police Department and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the defendant was arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, Arson in the First Degree, Arson in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree.
Please click here for photo of the suspect