Police are searching for the arsonist behind a fatal East Flatbush fire on Oct. 8.
Fire marshals ruled the inferno that claimed the life of 64-year-old Hugh Kirkland a homicide after discovering an accelerate had been used to ignite the blaze, which erupted inside his E. 96th Street home near Lenox Road at around 2 pm, according to a Fire Department spokesman.
Around 60 of New York’s Bravest rushed to the scene and managed to quench the fire about a half hour later, firefighters said.
First responders discovered Kirkland inside the smoldering abode, and the man tragically perished at the scene, authorities said.
Paramedics rushed another resident to Brookdale Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to a Fire Department spokesman.
There have been no arrests yet, and the investigation remains ongoing, cops said.
Anyone who provides police with information leading to an arrest can expect up to a $2,500 reward through the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program. The public can phone their tips to (800) 577-8477, log into the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdc
All calls are strictly confidential.
— Additional reporting by Kevin Duggan
