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In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a devastating three-alarm fire swept through a row of homes, claiming one life and causing smoke inhalation injuries to three individuals, including two Nassau County police officers, according to officials.
The Bellmore Fire Department responded to the scene shortly after 4:30 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a house fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to an adjacent property, as noted in a Facebook update from the department.
“There are multiple units positioned and operating on Bellmore Ave. at Chapman Ave.,” a subsequent post advised. “Please proceed with caution,” it added.
Over 100 firefighters from 12 Long Island departments battled the intense blaze for more than 90 minutes before bringing it under control, as reported by News12.
Fire Chief Eric Ozechowski informed News12 that upon arrival, firefighters were alerted to a resident trapped inside the intensely burning home at 116 Chapman Ave.
“[We] got dressed and made an attempt to locate the victim,” the chief said. “We, unfortunately, could not find the victim who was there. We were pushed out by heavy heat and heavy fire.”
Nassau County fire officials told News12 a second person inside the house was pulled out alive and rushed to a local hospital, where two county cops were also treated for smoke inhalation.
Two other homes were damaged.
“I saw the house across the street fully engulfed in flames and we came running downstairs and we watched it jump from one house to another house,” neighbor Kathie Tinucci told the outlet.
No firefighters were hurt while snuffing out the fire.
Authorities have not released the identity of the resident who died, and have not revealed what may have caused the deadly fire.