Huntington Auto Body Shops Badly Damaged In Blaze

HUNTINGTON, NY — A Huntington auto body building that houses both Hendrickson Car Care and Tom's Auto Refinishing and Collision was badly damaged in a blaze on Friday afternoon. Roughly 100 firefighters needed three hours to get the fire under control.

Fire chiefs arrived at a well-involved fire at the auto body shop, at New York Avenue and Creek Road, around 3:40 p.m. Friday, said public information officer Steve Silverman.

A civilian who suffered a leg injury was brought to Huntington Hospital, according to Silverman.

The first arriving fire engine aggressively attacked the flames outside the building, as multiple tower ladders and hose lines were operated by approximately 100 firefighters from Huntington, Halesite, Huntington Manor, Cold Spring Harbor, Greenlawn, Centerport, Northport, East Northport, Melville, Dix Hills, Eaton's Neck, and Syosset fire departments. The Huntington Community First Aid Squad provided help.

Firefighters had the hot and smoky fire under control within three hours while "enduring sweltering heat," Silverman said.

The Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Police Arson Squad are investigating the cause of the fire.

Suffolk County Fire-Rescue provided help with coordinators, MERV (Major Emergency Response Vehicle) and the Drone Team to help with firefighter rehab and support firefighting operations.

Units were under the command of Chief Scott Dodge, who was supported by Assistant Chief Sean Schwier and Deputy Chiefs Paul Smith and Matt Getter.