Surge in New York City Fires After Superstorm Sandy

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) responded to about 37 percent more fires last month.

Over 100 houses in Breezy Point, N.Y., burned to the ground as flood waters isolated the community from fireman. U.S. Navy photo, Nov. 14, by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan J. Courtade

Officials blame the spike on the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

The Daily News says the FDNY battled 273 serious fires in November. That compares to 200 logged in the same month last year.

Commissioner Salvatore Cassano says there’s a big push to prevent fires as the weather gets colder. A major focus will be the hard-hit coastal sections of Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.

Many of the storm-related blazes have been caused by electrical malfunctions, unattended candles and improper use of generators.

In some cases, people had left objects on top of stoves that went on when power was restored.