An early morning blaze in Fire Island Pines on Fire Island has destroyed one house and seriously damaged another. This fire follows a significant commercial stricture fire across the bay in Sayville on Friday evening and another in West Hampton Beach earlier that day.
According to eyewitness accounts, the alarm for a structure fire at the intersection of Fire Island Blvd. and Cottage Walk was activated at 12:59 a.m. on Sunday, October 27. Fire Island Pines Fire Department was supported by mutual aid from the neighboring Cherry Grove, Point O’Woods, Ocean Bay Park, Ocean Beach, Saltaire, and Kismet Fire Departments among with several other main land responders.
Electrical power was cut as a precautionary measure at 1:16 a.m. as the fire’s heat was melting overhead telephone and internet cable lines. According to Newsday, the fire also spread to a propane tank, which also exploded in the heat. However, firefighters did not have to contend with the harsh wind conditions that mainland fire companies had to deal with on Friday, October 25; although dry beachgrass conditions were a concern.
The fire was extinguished by 4 a.m., and power was restored shortly after. 597 Fire Island Boulevard was declared a total loss, and the new owner had only closed on the purchase of the property 11 days ago, wrote Fire Island Pines Property Association President Henry Robin on the FIPPOA Facebook page later on Sunday evening.
“This fire which destroyed our neighbor’s home is a stark reminder that we must always be mindful of potential fire hazards.,” wrote Robin. “This is particularly critical in light of the recent extremely dry conditions in the area. Once again, our deepest thanks and appreciation to the Fire Island Pines Fire Department and the first responders from all of our neighboring communities for their herculean efforts on Saturday night and for being there all year round to keep our communities safe.”
The extent of damage to the second house is unclear at this time. No injuries or loss of life has been reported in connection to this incident.
This article was updated on Sunday evening at 7:45 p.m.
