A fire on Long Island today left one person dead and three others injured, including two Nassau County police officers. The blaze broke out around 4:30 a.m. at a home on Chapman Avenue in Bellmore and quickly spread to nearby residences, according to ABC7 New York. Rescue efforts were hindered by heavy flames and intense heat, resulting in one fatality and smoke inhalation injuries for the others.
Bellmore Fire Department Chief Eric Ozechowski, one of the first responders, said firefighters attempted to locate the victim but were forced to retreat due to heavy heat and rapidly spreading flames, according to News 12 Long Island. Firefighting efforts were further slowed by a hydrant covered in snow and ice.
More than 100 firefighters from 12 departments responded to the blaze, which damaged three homes. Witnesses, including Bellmore resident Kathie Tinucci, reported that strong winds caused the fire to spread from one house to another, as per News 12 Long Island. Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael F. Uttaro confirmed the fire spread quickly. Two homes suffered severe damage and structural collapse, while a third sustained only minor damage.
The identities of the deceased and the injured have not been released as investigations continue by fire marshal investigators and the Nassau County Police Arson Bomb Squad. One resident is undergoing treatment for smoke inhalation, while the two police officers have managed to quickly be treated for the same. In a statement obtained by ABC7 New York, Chief Fire Marshal Uttaro expressed sorrow for the loss despite the valiant efforts to rescue the trapped occupant by fire department and police officers. The cause of the fire is currently unknown as officials actively work to fully investigate the devastating event.
