Christmas tree outside set on fire in Midtown, suspect in custody

The massive Christmas tree outside the Fox News building went up in flames overnight. Officials say someone allegedly set fire to the tree on West 48th Street around midnight.

News 12 Staff

Dec 8, 2021, 12:12 PM

Updated 1,097 days ago

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The massive Christmas tree outside the Fox News building went up in flames overnight. Officials say someone allegedly set fire to the tree on West 48th Street around midnight.
Fire marshals are now investigating what the man did to cause the fire to the tree. New York City first responders extinguished a huge Christmas tree fire outside the Fox News building in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning.
Videos posted by witnesses to the Citizen App show thick clouds of black smoke coming from the tree after police say someone allegedly lit the tree located on West 48th Street and 6th Avenue on fire. A News 4 employee witnessed NYPD officers apprehending a suspect near the tree after midnight.
A police department spokesperson confirmed a 49-year-old man was in custody, but investigators couldn't confirm an incendiary device was used. Police identified the suspect as Craig Tamanaha. He is being charged with arson, criminal trespass, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, among other charges, police say.
Police say the man acted alone and the incident didn't appear to be premeditated or politically motivated.