FDNY Fire Marshals Arrest New Jersey Man for Illegal Torch Work That Started 2-Alarm Brooklyn Fire

September 12, 2025

Suspect also blocked nearest fire hydrant with vehicle

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced Friday that FDNY Fire Marshals arrested Alonza Odom, 63, of New Jersey, for illegally using a blow torch that started a 2-alarm fire in Brooklyn.

On Monday, September 8 at 12:55 p.m. FDNY members responded to reports of fire at 245 Hawthorne Street in Brooklyn. Units arrived in under three minutes to find heavy fire and two blocked hydrants at the scene. The fire involved three apartments on the 6th floor in the cockloft, which is a void space located between the top floor ceiling and the roof.

FDNY Fire Marshals from the FDNY Bureau of Investigation (BFI) and Fire Protection Inspectors from the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) determined that Odom was performing illegal torch work on the roof of the building. He also parked his work vehicle directly in front of the nearest hydrant, obstructing FDNY operations.

"We have said this time and again: blocking fire hydrants is illegal and extremely dangerous. It puts civilians and our Firefighters at risk during emergencies, when every second counts," said FDNY Commissioner Tucker. "Today, we say it once more: the FDNY will hold anyone accountable who endangers the lives of New Yorkers by ignoring safety regulations and violating the law."

Odom was issued three Criminal Summonses by BFP for obstructing the fire hydrant in front of 245 Hawthorne St, failure to provide an FDNY permit for torch work, and the illegal storage/handling/use of one-20lb propane container for torchwork on the rooftop of a multiple dwelling without the required FDNY permit. A vehicle owner, who blocked another fire hydrant in front of 574 Rogers Avenue, was also issued a Criminal Court Summons.

Odom was charged with reckless endangerment of property and given a desk appearance ticket.

Photos available here