Croton Filtration Plant trailer set ablaze, cops say

Police are seeking help finding four people accused of igniting a single-alarm fire that engulfed a construction trailer and damaged a second shed at the Croton Water Filtration Plant construction site in Van Cortlandt Park last weekend.

Four fire engines and 65 firefighters were called to 3701 Jerome Ave. at 8:52 p.m. on Aug. 5. A trailer used as a lounge and kitchen by contractors was completely engulfed in flames, according to the FDNY. The fire spread to a second trailer, which was damaged as well. Nobody was injured and firefighters put out the flames by 9:40 p.m.

The 50th Precinct released a photo of one of the suspects on Aug. 8 and asked anyone with information about the arson to get in touch with police. 

Capt. Kevin Burke said police believe a few young people were behind the fire, but aren't sure how they got onto the construction site, which is surrounded by a fence and guarded by security personnel. The precinct has video of one suspect accompanied by at least three others. 

"We feel like a couple of kids decided to set something on fire and unfortunately they got onto the location and found the trailer," he said. "There was no indication of an employee being fired or upset workers or a union strike or anything like that."

Capt. Burke said the trailer didn't seem to be a target or contain anything of significant value. He described it as a kitchenette where sub-contractors hired to do electrical work could cook meals, change clothes and take breaks. The second trailer sustained "minimal damage," according to Capt. Burke.

The Department of Environmental Protection, which is supervising the construction of the water filtration plant, referred questions to the fire department and wouldn't discuss whether the fire would impact construction.