City Orders Demolition of House After Fatal Fire

By Y.M. Lowy

The city has ordered the demolition of the house near Boro Park following a recent fire that resulted in the death of a squatter inside the building.

Located at 1237 67th Street, the property had a long history of arson and unauthorized occupants. The owner, Zafar Iqbal, had been attempting to renovate the property but faced significant challenges with squatters. Over the past two years, the building has experienced multiple fires, including at least one that was confirmed as arson by a previous squatter.

Residents of the area had long been frustrated with the property’s deteriorating condition and the danger it posed to the community. The fire that broke out just after 8 a.m. on the second floor of the two-story house on Tuesday was the fifth blaze in just two years.