On Tuesday evening, February 10, a two-alarm fire tore through a two-story home at 331 Van Siclen Avenue in Brooklyn, displacing eight people and injuring one.
According to the FDNY, the fire broke out about 5:30 pm, with flames engulfing the rear of the building and spreading from the first floor to the attic. About 100 firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour and finally brought it under control shortly before 7 p.m.
DOB Inspection Shows Home Was Illegally Converted
The home sustained significant smoke and water damage, including charred structural elements and a hole in the roof. The Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a full vacate order after inspecting the property. In its post-inspection, the DOB found that the home had been illegally converted from a two-family home to a five-family dwelling.
City records indicate that in 2025, there were two complaints about the illegal conversion. One of the complaints made in September alleged that the building owner had “extended and remodeled the whole house without permits and rented to many illegal occupants.”
According to News 12, DOB inspectors tried to gain access to the property four times last fall, but were denied or ignored.
The Red Cross has provided the eight displaced residents with emergency financial assistance and five with emergency housing.
The Dangers of Fires in Illegally Converted Homes
Fires in New York City are significantly more common and dangerous in illegally converted homes than in properly permitted residential structures. These conversions often involve turning basements, cellars, or attics into living spaces without DOB approval. As a result, they frequently violate fire safety codes, lack proper egress, and rely on unsafe electrical or heating infrastructure.
When a fire occurs in an illegally converted space, property owners can face serious liability exposure for failing to obtain permits, comply with fire codes, or provide safe exits. In many cases, the illegal condition itself becomes evidence that the owner breached a duty of care to tenants. If injuries or fatalities occur, particularly when occupants are unable to exit safely, owners can be held financially responsible for medical costs, wrongful death claims, property damage, and other losses.
Contact Ronemus & Vilensky
Ronemus & Vilensky works closely with victims injured in fires to preserve their rights. More importantly, we work hard to help hold those responsible for fire tragedies accountable. Contact us
at 212-779-7070.