Fire guts Valley Stream home

More than a dozen people were displaced when fire ravaged a Cedar Street home in Valley Stream on Friday afternoon. The fire, which began on the second floor, left the house uninhabitable.

Valley Stream firefighters were called to the scene at 6 Cedar St., across from the Clear Stream Avenue School, at about 2 p.m. on July 2. First Assistant Chief Charles Brocher said the fire was already intense when the first units arrived, as flames were blowing out the windows. “It was pretty far along,” he said.

Firefighters made their way into the house and up the stairs and were met with flames right at the door of one bedroom. The fire took about 35 minutes to put out and units were on the scene for about two hours.

One bedroom was completely gutted and a second room upstairs also suffered some fire damage, Brocher said. The rest of the home had heavy water and smoke damage.

A neighboring home, only about 10 feet away, also suffered some damage as siding melted from the heat of the flames.

Brocher said that everyone made it out of the home safe, and no serious injuries were reported. According to officials, 13 people lived in the house, all related.

The Red Cross was called to provide assistance. According to Sam Kille, regional communications director, there were eight adults and five children living in the house. They sought other housing on their own, but the Red Cross did provide the family with funds for food and clothing.

Three of the children attend school in District 30, and one recently graduated sixth grade. District officials say that those children can continue to attend school in Valley Stream even if they find temporary housing elsewhere.

According to property records, the 1,935-square foot home was built in 1951 and was most recently sold in 2006.

About 100 firefighters responded to the scene. Valley Stream was assisted by units from Elmont, Hewlett, Lynbrook, Malverne and Woodmere. Brocher said numerous departments were called because manpower is often light during the middle of the day. Firefighters also had to contend with temperatures nearing 90 degrees.

Brocher said the fire started in a second floor bedroom but the cause in undetermined. It is being investigated by the Nassau County Fire Marshall’s office.