Fire Rips Through Basement Of Greenport Home

GREENPORT, NY — A fire ripped though the basement of a Greenport home Sunday night, officials said.

But thanks to the hard work of firefighters, the blaze was contained to the basement, officials said.

According to Greenport Fire Chief Jeffrey Weingart, the fire broke out in a single story unoccupied private dwelling on Sound Drive; the Greenport Fire Department was notified at 7:40 p.m. about smoke coming from the residence, he said.

Upon the arrival of Greenport FD Second Assistant Chief James Kalin, a working structure fire was declared. Chief Weingart had command of all units on scene and units were released at 10 p.m., when the scene was turned over to the Southold Town Police Department and Suffolk County arson squad for further investigation, Weingart said.

(Cutchogue FD 2nd Asst. Chief Mike Boken.)

East Marion Fire Department responded with an engine to the scene, Southold Fire Department was called for a ladder and ambulance, and Cutchogue Fire Department's rapid intervention team also assisted, Weingart said. A Mattituck Fire Department engine and ambulance stood by at Greenport Fire Department headquarters, he said.

Three firefighters were evaluated for heat exhaustion; they were treated and released at the scene. The basement was totally gutted by the fire, but as the fire was contained, the first floor only had smoke and minor water damage, Weingart said.

(Greenport Fire Department)