One person died in an early morning house fire Tuesday that spread to a neighboring home on Chapman Avenue and caused significant structural damage to both properties, fire officials said.
Nassau County Fire Communications received 911 calls reporting the blaze at 4:32 a.m., prompting a rapid response from the Bellmore Fire Department.
According to Nassau County Fire Chief Marshal Michael F. Uttaro, one occupant of the home where the fire originated was able to self-evacuate. A second occupant was found dead at the scene despite what officials described as “valiant efforts” by firefighters and Nassau County police officers to rescue the trapped individual.
The flames spread to a neighboring house, whose occupants were able to evacuate safely. Both homes became fully involved in fire and sustained structural collapse, officials said.
One civilian was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. Two Nassau County police officers were also taken to NUMC for evaluation and treatment of minor smoke inhalation. No other civilian or first responder injuries were reported.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 90 minutes.
Officials said frigid temperatures and icy conditions complicated firefighting efforts. A fire hydrant covered in ice and snow had to be dug out before it could be used.
About 100 firefighters responded to the scene, with mutual aid provided by the East Meadow, Wantagh, North Bellmore, Massapequa, North Massapequa, Merrick, North Merrick, Seaford, Freeport, Bethpage and Levittown fire departments.
In addition to the two heavily damaged homes, a third adjacent house sustained minor damage.
The Town of Hempstead Building Department was on scene to assess the structural integrity of the properties.
Fire marshal investigators and detectives from the Nassau County Police Department’s Arson Bomb Squad are investigating the cause of the fire.
