PLAINVIEW — A Plainview man was arrested Monday night after allegedly starting a fire in a residential home, authorities said.
The Nassau County Police Arson Bomb Squad responded to reports of a fire at an Eileen Avenue residence at 7:50 p.m.
The Bethpage Fire Department, with assistance from neighboring departments, extinguished the flames.
Jahan Kia, 40, of Plainview, was charged with arson in the third degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and torturing or injuring animals.
Investigators determined Kia, a tenant of the home, started the fire on the basement stairwell.
No residents were inside at the time, but two dogs and one cat were found dead.
Two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and hand burns and were taken to a hospital.
Nassau County Fire Marshals and the Arson/Bomb Squad also responded to the scene.
No other injuries were reported.
