Fire destroys home on Nancy Drive

The East Meadow Fire Department responded to a house fire at 195 Nancy Drive in East Meadow on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

A residential home caught fire when an occupant knocked over a burning candle around 7:30 p.m., neighbors said.

The flames and smoke were seen escaping from windows and doors as locals watched on.

According to the EMFD, several fire departments arrived on scene to provide mutual aid and the blaze was extinguished within the hour.

The fire started in the back of the house, neighbors said. “From the front it looks bad and from the back it looks worse,” said one woman.

“They have an enormous amount of damage,” she added. “Even if it wasn’t burned, the smoke damage is so bad.” She heard it could take anywhere from three months to one year before the owners can return.

A nearby family opened their home to the victims and said they are now living at a hotel, but want to rent a home close by and remain in the school district while their house is under repair.

No injuries were reported, said the EMFD.