A Long Island home that was close to completing renovations after Sandy damaged it has been destroyed again in a fire that also took down a transformer pole, knocking out power to some neighbors on an oppressively hot day.
Firefighters were called to the Armour Street home at about 3 p.m. and were greeted with flames shooting from the home's windows and roof, according to authorities. With winds a concern in the beachside neighborhood, some neighbors said they tried to aim garden hoses at the flames before firefighters arrived.
"It was two weeks away from being finished from the flood," said homeowner John O'Grady. "I don't know how this fire started, but it clearly took away -- whatever the storm didn't, the fire did. Pretty much there's nothing left."
The fire also took down a transformer pole in the back of the house, knocking out electricity to some area homes on the hottest day yet of the heat wave.
Several fire departments were on the scene; firefighters also had to battle blistering temperatures as they responded in heavy gear.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries or illness.
