Resident Purposely Sets Fire To Capital Region Home Near Cemetery, Police Say

A 66-year-old man is accused of intentionally setting fire to his home in the region.

Blaise Lanni, age 66, is accused of setting fire to his Troy home, located on 3rd Avenue in the Lansingburgh neighborhood, on Sunday, Sept. 24.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view*

09/25/2023 4:10 p.m.

Emergency crews in Rensselaer County were called at around 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, for a house fire in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood, on 3rd Avenue near 106th Street. The home backs up to the Old Catholic Cemetery.

When firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames, according to Troy Police. Crews spent several hours dousing the fire.

Nobody was injured in the blaze.

After speaking with the sole resident, Blaise Lanni, investigators determined that he purposely started the fire.

Lanni was arrested on suspicion of felony arson after being evaluated at a hospital.

He was arraigned in Troy City Court and was later released with an appearance ticket.

Police did not provide an estimated cost of damages.

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