Woman killed in fire identified as Gloria Monk

The 80-year-old woman who was killed in a fast-moving house fire in Seaford in the early morning of Dec. 6 has been identified, officials said.

The woman, Gloria Monk, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her daughter, identified as Deborah Asdahl, 60, suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, officials added. A Wantagh firefighter also suffered burns. The house's third resident, Asdahl's husband, 63-year-old Scott Betts, was not home at the time of the fire.

According to detectives, about 70 firefighters rushed to the scene, at 2464 Riverside Ave., to battle the blaze, which erupted shortly after 6 a.m. The Wantagh Fire Department was first to respond to the call of a full-blown house fire, with individuals trapped inside. Tom Bloomfield, the fire chief, and Lenny Mathewson, the first assistant chief, arrived on the scene, quickly assessed the situation and called for additional units to respond.

Both Bloomfield and Mathewson entered the house as flames quickly spread. Authorities said that one victim was trapped on the second floor, which was engulfed in flames. Another was found unconscious, and firefighters quickly dragged both of them out of the burning home, officials said.

When the Massapequa Fire Department arrived on the scene, firefighters quickly assisted in the search, with the Seaford Fire Department and others arriving soon to assist as well.

“Although the fire was very advanced prior to arrival of fire department units, all visible fire was knocked down in approximately 30 minutes while overhaul continued for another 20 to 25 minutes,” Kevin Regan, a Wantagh Fire Department spokesman, said. “An investigation is underway by the Nassau County Police Arson and Bomb Squad and the Nassau County Fire Marshal to determine the cause of the fire, although it does not appear suspicious.”

Seaford resident Pat Rodesk has started a GoFundMe campaign to help the victims of the fire.

“I’m helping my kids raise money for their father, Scott Betts, who lost everything this morning to a horrific house fire,” Rodesk wrote in the GoFundMe page. “Forever grateful to the Seaford/Wantagh Fire Department for saving his wife, Debbie — sadly, not so fortunate for her mom, Gloria, who did not escape the blaze. The toll on the family is unimaginable to say the least. Any donations will be greatly appreciated so that they can purchase clothes, toiletries, shoes, or anything else they may need.”

In addition, Rita Maffetone Matalone, administrator for the Facebook group “Friends of Wantagh-Seaford NY,” has stepped up to support the victims.

“It was brought to my attention the couple who lost their home in the fire yesterday morning has absolutely nothing now,” she wrote in the group on Dec. 7. “We are collecting gift cards — Walmart, Target, anything would be appreciated. Please keep that family in your prayers.”

All donations can be dropped off at 3685 Alcona St. in Seaford.

Several fires have ravaged the Wantagh-Seaford area in recent months. In July, a blaze severely damaged a house, located at 3980 Wolkow Ave. in Seaford. Firefighters from Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Bethpage, Massapequa, East Meadow and Merrick responded to battle that blaze.

In late April, a house burned down on Bryant Drive in Seaford, leaving Sabrina Santoro and her family displaced and reliant on a GoFundMe campaign to help get them back on their feet.

In August, officials said, two individuals allegedly set fire to Nassau Inter-County Express buses that were parked at Seaford’s Cedar Creek Park, with local fire departments responding to the scene.