What to Know
- The fire broke out on NY's Fire Island around 1 a.m.; it's not clear what sparked it but wind fueled the flames
- At least four homes were completely destroyed and another two were severely damaged
- No serious injuries were reported, though one firefighter was taken to the hospital with high blood pressure, officials said
A wind-fueled inferno devoured multiple homes on Fire Island, completely destroying at least four of them as reinforcements were ferried in from Sayville to help combat the intense flames, authorities say.
No serious injuries were reported in the blaze, which broke out just before 1 a.m, firefighters said. One firefighter was taken to a hospital with high blood pressure.
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Eight fire departments on and near Fire Island battled the blaze through the night. Eight more fire departments from the mainland from various towns joined in. Video from the scene shows houses being completely swallowed by the heavy flames. Crews were able to get the fire under control just after 4:30 a.m.
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Four houses were completely destroyed and two others were severely damaged, according to Fire Chief Joseph Geiman. All of the six homes are single-family, wood frame; only one was vacant, Geiman said. The chief said the people who live in the Ocean Walk home where the blaze started were out for the night. Their neighbors called authorities.
Up to 20 homes could have been lost, Geiman said, but firefighters managed to keep the flames from spreading further. Six propane containers caused an explosion, the chief added, which made the containment that much harder.
Crews said a number of firefighters would remain on the scene throughout the morning to make sure nothing flares up.
Local
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
