A fast moving house fire ripped through a quiet Port Washington block Friday night, injuring ten first responders and displacing four residents, Nassau County officials said. Flames tore through a two story home in the White Oak Drive area and, despite the intensity, were brought under control in about 45 minutes. Several responders were taken to area hospitals, and officials said none of the injuries were life threatening.
Response and injuries
In all, nine firefighters and one police officer were hurt while battling the blaze, according to Newsday. The Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office said six firefighters were transported to North Shore University Hospital. Two were being treated for medical emergencies, and four suffered physical injuries after a partial collapse inside the structure.
Mutual aid companies poured into the neighborhood, with roughly 80 firefighters ultimately on scene. Crews from at least six departments - Port Washington, Manhasset Lakeville, Roslyn, Albertson, Great Neck and Plandome - assisted in knocking down the flames, the Fire Marshal's Office told Newsday. Despite the rough conditions and the scare of the collapse, officials said all reported injuries to first responders were not life threatening.
Where it happened
The fire broke out just before 8 p.m. Friday at a two story house on White Oak Drive off Essex Court, and the homeowners were not at home when it started, ABC7 reports. Firefighters forced their way in and headed to the basement, where they found a dog and brought it out safely. The pet was not injured, the station said.
As crews worked all sides of the house, they chased hotspots in the damaged home and checked for any remaining pockets of fire. Officials said the blaze is not being treated as suspicious, and county investigators from the Fire Marshal's Office, along with Nassau County Police detectives, were expected to continue probing what started the fire.
Investigation underway
Local video from the scene showed thick smoke, heavy flames and a large turnout of fire companies as firefighters surrounded the home and worked into the night, CBS News New York reported. Department leaders praised the fast, coordinated effort that kept the fire from spreading to neighboring homes and said more details would be released once investigators finish their work.
Authorities have asked anyone with photos or video from the scene to share them with investigators as the inquiry continues. Neighbors described heavy smoke and a huge emergency response rolling into the block. Community volunteers and local agencies are now helping the displaced residents with short term needs, and officials said they will provide updates when new information becomes available.
