Mount Vernon Moves To Raze Houses After Suspicious Fire

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. -- A possible arson that displaced dozens of people in Mount Vernon is spurring the city to bring in its newly formed quality-of-life task force, according to a report by News12.

The Mount Vernon Fire Department was called to South Terrace Avenue this weekend to battle a suspicious blaze. The three-alarmer destroyed two apartment buildings and damaged a third, displacing about 40 people.
Photo Credit: *YouTube*

Carol Reif

05/31/2016 3:00 p.m.

The three-alarm fire destroyed two apartment buildings and damaged a third on South Terrace Avenue on Saturday, multiple media reports said.

The city is moving to get permits to tear them down, the News12 report said.

The Red Cross is assisting the families that lost their homes, media reports said.

According to nbcnewyork.com, two firefighters were slightly injured battling the blaze.

The task force was formed by Mayor Richard Thomas earlier this month to help the city identify and ticket landlords, business owners and contractors who are operating illegally or who fail to maintain sanitary and safe conditions.

Its members are civic, official, and other city stakeholders.

To read the News12 story, click here.

To read the nbcnewyork.com story, click here.

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