A 29-year-old man is accused of setting fire to his own apartment in Queens, prompting an emergency response that included several trucks from the FDNY and an evacuation of the building.
Police say the man's mother called 911 just before 4 p.m. Monday, reporting that her son was threatening to light the apartment at 89th Avenue and 162nd Street in Jamaica on fire.
He had a canister and tried to set the couch on fire, according to police. The canister blew up, and the man sustained burns to his face and leg.
Heavy smoke was seen rising from the six-story building before firefighters were able to contain the blaze. FDNY firefighters were on the roof, and ladder trucks were set up outside, Chopper 4 over the scene showed.
The man, his mother and two others were injured, according to police. A firefighter and a police officer were also treated on the scene.
The man was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries; he is in police custody.
A few neighboring apartments sustained damage from the fire. Residents have since been allowed to return to the building.
