Overview

• Jahan Kia, a 40-year-old tenant at 21 Eileen Avenue, was arrested late Monday after investigators determined he started the blaze in the basement stairwell.
• Nearly 100 firefighters from six departments extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes and contained the flames to the rear section of the two-story home.
• The blaze claimed the lives of two dogs and one cat but caused no injuries among the residents.
• Two firefighters were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns to their hands sustained while battling the fire.
• Neighbors and fellow tenants described Kia’s behavior as erratic and mentally disturbed as authorities continue probing a possible motive.