New York City, NY – The New York City Fire Department announced the arrest of a Queens man in connection with a deadly four-alarm fire that killed four people in a residential building in Queens, marking a significant development in a weeks-long multi-agency investigation into one of the borough’s most serious recent fire incidents.
Roman Amatitla, 38, of Queens, was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 8, following an extensive investigation led by FDNY fire marshals assigned to the Bureau of Fire Investigation, working in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies. The arrest is tied to the March 16 fire at 132-05 Avery Avenue, where four victims died.
Investigation leads to arrest
The fatal blaze broke out in mid-March and quickly escalated to a four-alarm response, drawing a large deployment of FDNY personnel to contain the fire and search for victims. The scale of the response underscored the severity of the incident, which resulted in multiple fatalities and significant damage to the structure.
According to the FDNY, fire marshals played a central role in determining the cause and origin of the fire. Their findings, developed alongside other law enforcement partners, ultimately led to the identification and arrest of Amatitla nearly three weeks after the incident.
Multi-agency coordination
The FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Investigation routinely works with local and state law enforcement in cases involving suspicious or fatal fires. In this case, officials said that collaboration was instrumental in advancing the investigation and securing an arrest.
Fire marshals are specially trained to examine fire scenes, collect evidence, and determine whether criminal activity may have contributed to a blaze. Their involvement in fatal fires is standard procedure, particularly when the cause is not immediately clear.
While officials confirmed the arrest, additional details regarding charges or the specific circumstances linking Amatitla to the fire have not yet been publicly released.
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Key Points
• 38-year-old Roman Amatitla arrested in connection with a deadly Queens fire
• Four people were killed in the March 16 four-alarm blaze on Avery Avenue
• FDNY fire marshals led the investigation alongside partner agencies
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Ongoing legal process
The case now moves into the legal phase, where prosecutors are expected to outline formal charges and present evidence connected to the fire. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Fatal fires in densely populated areas like Queens often prompt extensive investigations due to the potential for widespread harm, and officials emphasize the importance of coordinated response efforts in both emergency response and post-incident accountability.
Amatitla remains in custody as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system, with further updates expected as court proceedings advance.
FDNY, Queens fire, Roman Amatitla, Avery Avenue fire, Bureau of Fire Investigation