2 Dogs and a Cat Died in a Long Island House Fire — and Police Say the Tenant Set It Intentionally

Authorities on Long Island, N.Y. have accused a man of intentionally setting a house fire that killed three animals and injured two firefighters.

Jahan Kia, 40, was arrested after officers and firefighters responded to the house fire in Plainview at about 7:50 p.m. on Monday, May 26, according to a press release from the Nassau County Police Department. Police said Kia was a tenant of the home.

According to police, there were no residents inside the house but two dogs and one cat were found dead. Additionally, two firefighters were taken to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and hand burns, per the release.

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Police allege Kia intentionally set the blaze in the basement, though a motive remains unclear.

Kia has been charged with third-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief and animal torture, police said. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.