Bellmore FD Reveals Details About Fatal Fire Call

The initial call of a house fire "with people trapped" at 55 Croydon Dr. came into the Bellmore Fire Department at 2:33 a.m.

Within three minutes of the alarm, First Assistant Chief Robert Taylor arrived on scene and confirmed that the homeowner, KerryAnn Dudley, 42, was inside the fully engulfed home.

"Chief Taylor attempted to make entry into the home, but was forced back due to the intense heat and flame," Vincent Scaduto, public information officer for the Bellmore Fire Department, said.

Within a short period of time, the interior stairs to the second floor had partially collapsed. Bellmore Engine 603 aggressively attacked the front of the home, while Ladder 606 stretched additional lines to the rear.

"Fearing further collapse the first crew of firefighters were recalled from their interior attack and a defensive posture was take," he further explained.

Homes on both sides suffered exterior damage, but no structural.

One Bellmore firefighter was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for minor burns. He was treated and released. Dudley was pronounced at the scene.

Additional assistance was provided by Engines 601 and 602, Heavy Rescue 607 and Ambulances 6011 and 6012, the North Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments, two Nassau County Police Department ambulances and several police officers.

Wantagh, North Merrick and East Meadow Fire Departments stood by at Bellmore Fire Headquarters. Nassau County Fire Marshals and NCPD Arson Squad were also on the scene.