6 apartments burglarized following fire at building in Yonkers

YONKERS, Westchester County (WABC) -- Police say six apartments were burglarized following a fire Monday at a building in Yonkers.

Three adults and three children were led to safety on fire escapes during the four-alarm fire at a building on Caryl Avenue.

The building was initially secured by police after residents relocated.

Overnight the night of the fire, security of the building was handed over to the owner of the building who hired a private security guard, authorities say.

At some point police say someone gained entry to the building from an adjoining roof.

A door on the roof was kicked open and the burglar gained entry to six apartments, stealing money and electronics.

Investigators have determined that the fire was caused by overloaded extension cords and outlets.

There were multiple appliances plugged into extension cords on a single outlet. The extension cords used were not designed to carry the load placed on them and overheated, causing the fire, investigators said.