Overview
- The fire broke out shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Chapman Avenue in Bellmore, fully engulfing the first house and extending to two neighboring residences.
- Two homes collapsed or were destroyed, and a third was damaged but remained standing, according to fire officials.
- About 100 firefighters from multiple Long Island departments brought the blaze under control in roughly 90 minutes, with operations concluding around 8 a.m.
- One resident died at the scene and three people were injured, including two Nassau County police officers treated for smoke inhalation, with no firefighter injuries reported.
- County fire marshals and the Nassau County Police Arson Bomb Squad are investigating the cause, and crews reported having to dig out a snow- and ice-covered hydrant.