A devastating fire destroyed several homes and businesses on Fire Island overnight, a blaze battled by hundreds of firefighters from 28 local volunteer departments.
No injuries were reported. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko said officials from the Suffolk County arson squad were at the scene, though it was still too early to determine if the fire was suspicious.
Lesko added that officials still aren't sure how or where the fire started. He said it was too early to estimate the total amount of damages.
Among the properties damaged or destroyed were the Pavilion nightclub and the C.F. LaFountaine restaurant. Other businesses included the Sip & Swirl, the Pines Bistro and other structures containing offices, Lesko said.
Fire Island Pines is one of many communities that dot the island vacation hotspot. Much of the island is accessible only by boat.
The Pavilion nightclub and other properties were purchased last year by a group of developers including former New York City broadcast journalist Andrew Kirtzman.
Kirtzman didn't immediately respond to telephone and email inquiries Tuesday, but he posted a statement on Facebook.
"The air in the harbor is still thick with smoke, but the fire has not spread anywhere else, thanks to the incredible work of the Pines Fire Department and the departments that raced to its aid," he said.
"We will help one another get the commercial district ready for summer 2012," Kirtzman added. "There is a lot of hard work ahead for all of us. We feel blessed that no one was injured, and proud to be part of this beautiful community."
