Eight Hospitalized After Early Morning Blaze in Nassau County

Eight people were hospitalized after an early morning fire in Freeport on Monday.

According to the Nassau County Fire Marshal's office, the fire was reported at 6:31 a.m. at a home on Roosevelt Avenue. Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said the fire began on the back deck and rapidly spread into the house.

Two off-duty police officers, one from Freeport and one from Nassau County, saw the fire and knocked on the door of the house to alert the residents. The smoke detectors in the house also alerted them to the fire. Everyone made it out safely, but five of the residents, and the two officers, were taken to Nassau University Medical Center in Freeport for smoke inhalation.

According to Newsday, an eighth person was taken to the hospital after the person tripped and fell. No serious injuries were reported.

In addition to the Freeport Fire Department, the Baldwin, Oceanside and North Merrick fire departments responded, as well as the Bellmore/Merrick ambulance corps.

Photo: Shutterstock