AM fatal fire in New Rochelle was electrical and deemed not suspicious, victims identified

NEW ROCHELLE - Two people died after an apartment building in New Rochelle caught fire Friday morning.

New Rochelle Fire Chief Andrew Sandor said the fire broke out around 7:10 a.m. at 30 Eastchester Road, an apartment building across the street from Iona University.

Sandor said firefighters responded to multiple calls of heavy fire coming from a third-floor apartment and reports of people trapped inside. Most of the residents were able to evacuate safely, but Sandor said two people were removed from the building and confirmed dead.

According to Sandor, the victims are 47-year-old Maria Arreola and her son, 26-year-old Andrew Salomon, 26, both of New Rochelle. The chief said the cause of the fire was electrical, as investigators discovered "an electrical outlet overloaded with extension cords." According to Sandor, the fire is deemed to not be suspicious.

Amanda Cajigas said she was getting ready for work at the New Rochelle School District when her cousin, who lives in the same apartment complex, called her about the fire.

"I kind of panicked. I just quickly got up, woke up my brother, grabbed my dog and immediately we just ran," Cajigas said. "I was on the sixth floor but coming down, I was able to smell the smoke more. The apartment looked so black. You could see the fire reaching the ceiling and out the window. It was crazy."

After several hours, residents were allowed to be escorted back to their units if they needed to collect personal belongings such as medications. However, Sandor says the scene is still active and under investigation. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.

The American Red Cross was assisting displaced residents at the scene. Also assisting at the scene was Jim Killoran, president of The Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City. He said people should prepare a "go bag" at all times in case they end up unable to go back into their home.

"I know that when someone loses their house, people are going to need a place to stage and calm down and alleviate their anxiety," Killoran said. "The Fuller Center responds quickly and I’m honored that the fire commissioners and police and the guys know me. They’ll call me to come in and help be part of the assistance."

Killoran said anyone with information about temporary apartments or clothing for those displaced can email him at jim@fullercenter.org

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Fatal fire in New Rochelle electrical, deemed not suspicious: Chief