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NYPD investigates fire at Fordham businesses as possible arson

The fire broke out shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday on East 183rd Street, seriously injuring a worker inside.

Katerina Belales

and

Mike Lamorte

Aug 13, 2026, 6:57 AM

Updated

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The NYPD confirms they are investigating Tuesday's fire that damaged businesses in Fordham as possible arson.

The fire seriously injured a worker who was inside at the time.

The fire broke out shortly after 10 p.m. on East 183rd Street between Jerome and Davidson avenues, sending flames through a strip of stores.

The FDNY says a 33-year-old man working inside one of the businesses suffered severe burns to his face and body. He was taken to the hospital and is stable.

A witness who is also the victim’s cousin told News 12 he saw two men throw what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail into one of the stores.

"I saw from the moment the cocktail hit the floor and exploded," he said.

The NYPD’s Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene as investigators worked to determine what sparked the fire.

The NYPD says fire marshals are now taking the lead in the arson investigation.

Several businesses were damaged and are now boarded up.

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