Suffolk County has taken decisive action against the practice of “fire chasers,” enacting a new regulation that prohibits predatory home board-up firms from descending on fire sites and coercing distraught families into expensive agreements.
The bi-partisan legislation was signed into law on Wednesday by County Executive Ed Romaine, just one day after it received approval from Suffolk lawmakers. This law makes it clear that aggressive businesses can be penalized with hefty fines and potentially incarceration for misleading families into contracts that could lead to significant financial loss.
“Unscrupulous individuals will not be allowed to exploit those who may be incredibly vulnerable following the loss of their home or business. This law ensures that those who misrepresent their services will be held accountable,” stated Romaine during the signing event.
The legislation, put forward by Republican Legislator and former first responder Dominick Thorne, creates a 1,000-foot protective zone around fire equipment to deter firms from crowding active scenes.
Furthermore, it mandates that board-up providers furnish homeowners with written notices clarifying that they are not government-sanctioned, increasing penalties from $1,000 up to $5,000, and establishing that repeat offenders could face up to a year in jail for non-compliance with the new requirements.
“Having been a first responder myself, I can personally attest to the necessity of having a licensed and reputable firm handle the aftermath following a fire,” Thorne remarked.
This crackdown comes almost a decade after Suffolk initially sought to regulate the industry with a 2015 law that required board-up companies to register with the county, which firefighters and lawmakers criticized as ineffective, enabling “fire chasers” to remain active at scenes.
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First responders have informed The Post that representatives from these companies often arrive at active scenes with contracts ready and pressure families into signing them while the fire continues to consume their property.
Multiple firefighters have stated that these companies present their services as indispensable, misleading homeowners into believing they are being provided with a necessary aid while charging exorbitant prices.
“There’s one particular individual that operates like a vulture—attempting to get homeowners to sign contracts while they and their families are being treated for smoke inhalation, mourning their deceased pets,” said a local firefighter, who chose to remain anonymous.
County Executive Romaine issued a stern warning to dishonest operators.
“Don’t exploit the residents of Suffolk County—if you do, we will track you down and ensure you are held accountable,” Romaine declared.
