The NYPD say it is now investigating Tuesday's fire on Forbell Street as potential arson.

The FDNY says seven people were sent to the hospital and multiple families were displaced due to the fire. As of Wednesday, one person had died. Neighbors told News 12 they heard the tenants screaming for help and watched as they jumped from windows to escape.

Sahil Uddin saw the fire burning through the stairwell while his neighbors shouted for help.

"From what I hear, it started from the stairs and then made its way up, but I don't know how it started from the stairs. It's kind of odd," says Uddin. "Something could start, cigarettes or something, but I'm not really sure."

News 12 confirmed that the building is owned by Rafiqul Islam. According to court records, Islam has had at least three landlord and tenant cases this year. There were two in Queens and one in Brooklyn.

News 12 found a possible number for Islam, but no one picked up so we went to an address listed for him on city records though no one answered the door.

There were several city violations issued for the upstairs apartment, including missing carbon dioxide detectors and a broken or defective baseboard radiator.

CAMBA, a nonprofit helping individuals with housing and other needs, reached out with a statement urging the Kings County district attorney to prosecute should any wrongdoing be found. The NYPD says the investigation is ongoing.

Police dogs and arson and explosion squads were on scene investigating on Wednesday.