Long Beach House Fire Leaves One Injured, Home Destroyed
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Devastating House Fire in Long Beach Leaves One Injured and Home Destroyed
A devastating house fire ripped through a home in Long Beach, New York on Tuesday evening, leaving one person with burns and completely destroying the residence. The blaze, reported around 6:30 PM, quickly escalated to a two-alarm situation, drawing firefighters from neighboring communities as residents watched in horror. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities suspect an electrical malfunction may be to blame.
The incident occurred at 918 Long Beach Blvd., a single-family home located in a densely populated residential area. According to ABC7NY, flames were visible from blocks away and smoke could be seen billowing into the sky. Initial reports indicated that one person was inside the house when the fire broke out. Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy fire involvement throughout the structure.
"It was terrifying," said neighbor Maria Rodriguez, speaking to ABC7. "The flames were so high, it looked like a movie. You could hear the crackling and popping – it was really frightening.” Many neighbors gathered across the street, documenting the scene with their phones while expressing concern for the resident.
Long Beach Fire Department Chief Scott Miller confirmed that one individual suffered burns attempting to escape the rapidly spreading fire. The injured person was immediately transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, for treatment. While details on the severity of the burns haven't been released publicly, authorities have stated the injuries were significant enough to warrant transport outside of Long Beach.
The sheer intensity of the fire prompted a mutual aid response. Firefighters from surrounding communities including Island Park and Baldwin assisted in battling the blaze and protecting neighboring homes. The rapid spread was exacerbated by strong winds that fanned the flames, making it particularly challenging for firefighters to contain the situation. According to reports, several adjacent houses were threatened but ultimately spared significant damage thanks to the swift actions of the firefighting teams.
"Our priority was to get everyone out safely and then protect surrounding homes," Chief Miller explained in a statement released shortly after the fire was brought under control. "The wind made it incredibly difficult, but our crews worked tirelessly to knock down the flames and prevent further spread."
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, led by the Long Beach Fire Marshal’s Office with assistance from the Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad. While a definitive determination hasn't been made, preliminary assessments point towards an electrical issue as a potential trigger. This suspicion aligns with reports that residents in the area have experienced intermittent power fluctuations recently. According to a linked article on Newsday ([ https://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-beach/long-beach-fire-918-long-beach-blvd-2024-05-22 ]), the homeowner, identified as Robert DeLuca, had recently expressed concerns about electrical issues to his neighbors and was reportedly planning to have them inspected. DeLuca is currently receiving medical treatment and has not yet been able to be formally interviewed by investigators.
The Newsday article also details the extensive damage inflicted upon the home. It was a complete loss; the structure is considered uninhabitable, and all personal belongings were destroyed. The Red Cross is assisting DeLuca with temporary housing and essential needs as he recovers from his injuries and navigates the aftermath of this devastating event. Donations are being coordinated through local organizations to support him during this difficult time.
Beyond the immediate impact on DeLuca, the fire has shaken the Long Beach community. Residents expressed a mix of shock, sadness, and gratitude for the firefighters’ efforts. The incident highlights the importance of regular home safety checks, particularly concerning electrical systems. The Long Beach Fire Department is planning to conduct a public awareness campaign in the coming weeks to educate residents about fire prevention measures, including smoke detector maintenance and electrical safety tips.
The investigation into the cause remains active, with investigators meticulously examining debris and interviewing witnesses. The focus will be on determining the precise origin of the fire and confirming whether any negligence contributed to its rapid spread. Until then, the community is left to grapple with the emotional toll of this tragedy and offer support to Robert DeLuca as he begins the long process of rebuilding his life. The ABC7NY report ([ https://abc7ny.com/post/long-beach-fire-1-burned-amid-consumed-home/18323655/ ]) and the Newsday article provide ongoing updates as more information becomes available.
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Read the Full abc7NY Article at:
[ https://abc7ny.com/post/long-beach-fire-1-burned-amid-consumed-home/18323655/ ]