2017 Cohoes fire
The 2017 Cohoes fire was a non-fatality fire that destroyed three residential buildings and affected 28 others in Cohoes, New York. Damage was estimated to be at least $4 million.[1][2] The fire started on November 30, 2017 when a local resident, John Gomes, attempted to imitate a metalworking technique from the History Channel series Forged in Fire. Flames from a burn-barrel he was using were spread by wind to adjacent structures.[3]
| Date | November 30, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Location | Cohoes, New York |
| Coordinates | 42.7705°N 73.7008°W |
| Type | Structure fires |
| Property damage | At least $4 million |
| Convicted | John Gomes |
| Charges | Arson, Reckless endangerment |
| Sentence | 1 year imprisonment and $600,000 fine |
Gomes was charged with counts of felony arson and reckless endangerment, and released after posting bail. Around 28 people, including Gomes, were displaced.[1] No deaths were reported. There were minor injuries, including a firefighter who was taken to a hospital.[3] Gomes pleaded guilty to arson and in June 2018, he was sentenced to one year in jail and a $600,000 fine.[4]
References
- Fortin, Jacey (December 2, 2017). "Man Inspired by TV Show 'Forged in Fire' Sets Off Huge Blaze, Officials Say". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
- "Sword-forger pleads guilty in massive Cohoes fire case". Times Union. March 14, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- "Man trying to imitate TV show sparks massive N.Y. inferno, mayor says". CBS News. December 1, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
- "Cohoes man sentenced for Remsen Street fire". The Record. June 26, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2018.