The Harlem fire that killed Michael Davidson of Floral Park in March was determined to be caused by a boiler ventilation flue pipe ignited by combustible materials, the Fire Department of New York said Tuesday.
Davidson, 37, was a 15-year veteran with the department and became the 1,150th member of the Fire Department to die in the line of duty on March 23.
The office of chief medical examiner in New York City said Davidson died from smoke inhalation.
The fire occurred in a basement at 773 St. Nicholas Ave. near 148th Street that was being used for a movie set, officials said.
Davidson was on the first truck to arrive with Engine Company 69.
He got separated from the group and was later pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.
A news release from the Fire Department also said that during an investigation it was discovered that the building’s sprinkler system had been shut off and did not activate to suppress the fire once it spread from the cellar.
The release also stated that fire-resistant materials had been removed from the first floor of the building, in the restaurant/nightclub, which exacerbated fire conditions as the fire extended.
Davidson is survived by his wife, Eileen, and their four children — 7-year-old Brooke, 6-year-old Joseph, 3-year-old Emily and 1-year-old Amy.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro posthumously promoted Davidson to lieutenant, a position he was in line to receive after passing the exam in 2015.
