Apparent Tank Explosion Sends Smithtown Home Up In Flames

SMITHTOWN, NY - One woman was hospitalized after a fire believed to be caused by a propane tank explosion broke out at a Smithtown home Wednesday night.

The Smithtown Fire Department responded to the Sunrise Lane home at about 8:20 p.m. after receiving several calls from neighbors reporting hearing two explosions from the home, officials said.

Two Smithtown firefighters who lived in the neighborhood quickly called to report that the call was a working structure fire.

An explosion from the back of the house, possibly from a propane tank, started the fire which rapidly spread through the entire inside of the home.

Photo by Smithtown Fire Department

Kevin Pearsall, a local firefighter who lived a few doors downs, was the first on scene. He entered the home before the fire spread and escorted the homeowner outside.

The homeowner was later taken to the Stony Brook University Hospital. Her injuries are unknown at this time.

No other residents were in the home at the time of the fire. No other injuries were reported.

The fire was brought under control by 9:21 p.m. The blaze caused severe damage to the home.

The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The fire is being investigated by The Smithtown Fire Marshal, Suffolk County Fire Marshal and the Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad.

Photos by Evan Rolla