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Fire ravages through building in Long Beach

Building Commissioner: Building to be demolished

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An early morning fire ravaged through a building on West Park Avenue in Long Beach on Wednesday.

At 4:26 a.m., the Long Beach Fire Department received a call for a Building Fire at 255 W. Park Ave., which houses Sorrento's and Abyss Tatoo. Chief John Marino was on scene within 4 minutes and reported heavy smoke from the building. Chief Jacobi arrived shortly thereafter and transmitted the "Working Fire".

City officials said in a statement that Engine 2343 arrived on the scene and stretched a 2-1/2" line into the fire building, Engine 4 was the 2nd due engine and also stretched a 2-1/2" hose line, and an aggressive interior attack was made, but the fire had already entered the void space between the tin ceiling and the roof (cockloft). The building began to show signs of structural stress and Chief Jacobi ordered everyone out of the building and went to a defensive operation, placing 4 tower ladders into operation as well as multiple handlines from the sidewalk.

According to Fire Commissioner Scott Kemins, the fire took nearly three hours to bring under control. He added that about 18 neighboring fire departments, whether at the scene or on stand-by, were involved.

Kemins, who is also building commissioner, said he would order the building to be demolished. The fire ravaged through Italian Eatery Sorrento's and Abyss Tattoo Studio.

There were no injuries reported. The fire is under the investigation of the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office and the Nassau County Police Arson/Bomb Squad but is not suspicious at this time, city officials said. All operations under the command of Chief of Department James Jakobi.