| Date | November 30, 2017 (2017-11-30) |
|---|---|
| Location | Cohoes, New York |
| Coordinates | 42°46′14″N73°42′03″W / 42.7705°N 73.7008°W /42.7705; -73.7008 |
| Type | Structure fires |
| Property damage | At least $4 million |
| Convicted | John Gomes |
| Charges | Arson,Reckless endangerment |
| Sentence | 1 year imprisonment and $600,000 fine |
The2017 Cohoes fire was a non-fatality fire that destroyed three residential buildings and affected 28 others inCohoes, New York. Damage was estimated to be at least $4 million.[1][2] The fire started on November 30, 2017 when a local resident, John Gomes, attempted to imitate a metalworking technique from theHistory Channel seriesForged in Fire. Flames from a burn-barrel he was using were spread by wind to adjacent structures.[3]
Gomes was charged with counts of felony arson and reckless endangerment, and released after posting bail. Around 28 people, including Gomes, were displaced.[1] No deaths were reported. There were minor injuries, including a firefighter who was taken to a hospital.[3] Gomes pleaded guilty to arson and in June 2018, he was sentenced to one year in jail and a $600,000 fine.[4]
