Contractor using propane torch on roof charged after fire rips through several homes

ASTORIA, QUEENS (WABC) -- A row of connected homes on 42nd Street was left heavily damaged Wednesday after a fire that authorities say began during illegal rooftop construction work, forcing multiple families - including the Ahmeds - to evacuate with little more than what they could carry.

The Ahmed family said they were told they could not stay in their home after the blaze spread several doors down, leaving their second floor in need of major repairs.

"Heartbreaking. I see my house and now the very troubling thing is where are you going to go?" said displaced resident Liton Ahmed.

Though the family did not cause the fire, they said they are now dealing with the emotional and financial fallout.

"Not only financial - emotionally like all our stuff. Going from hotel to hotel trying to figure out what we need to do. It's a lot. It's going to be a lot," said Parmita Ahmed.

Firefighters worked atop smoldering rooftops late Wednesday morning as flames moved quickly through the attached wood-frame buildings.

Sources told Eyewitness News that someone had been using a torch on the roof despite safety restrictions.

"It is a wood frame building and you're not supposed to be using a torch on a wood frame building," FDNY Chief Jeff Meister said.

Two fire marshals driving nearby heard the call over the radio and rushed to the scene, where they helped residents escape the burning homes.

Police said a 28-year-old man who had been working on the roof with a propane torch was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment.

"It is frustrating to realize that one person's actions can lead to all of our homes being destroyed and damaged," a resident said.

The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.

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