Fire Tears Through Nassau Florist

WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY — An early morning fire at a Nassau County florist Sunday is being investigated for possible arson, Nassau County police said.

Police and firefighters responded to Country Arts Florist at 535 Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead for a fire at 5:20 a.m. First responders saw flames in the rear of the building.

Ten fire departments – Franklin Square and Munson, West Hempstead, Elmont, Uniondale, Garden City Park, Garden City, Floral Park, Malverne, Lakeview and New Hyde Park – totaling 125 firefighters responded to the scene.

There were no injuries reported, police said.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building and to two parked business vans on the Munson Avenue side of the building. The building and the vehicles were unoccupied.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Arson Bomb Squad are investigating, police said.

Photo by Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department