Fire Rips Through North Fork Barn

NORTH FORK, NY — Firefighters battled a barn fire in Mattituck early Sunday.

According to the Cutchogue Fire Department, they were called at 12:57 a.m. to assist the Mattituck Fire Department at the fire, located at 69oo Wickham Avenue in Mattituck.

The first responders on the scene found a "garage-type" structure fully engulfed; the fire was beginning to spread to a second, adjacent barn, the CFD said.

The Cutchogue Fire Department was called to respond and assist with a rapid intervention team, officials said.

Battling the blaze was challenging, because the fire broke out in an area with limited water supply; the nearest hydrant was located a long distance away, officials said.

Water that was used to fight the fire was initially supplied by MFD's tanker while a long hose lay was established to the closet hydrant, officials said.

A CFD water supply engine laid out about 1,600 feet of hose to complete the more-than 2,500-foot stretch that was started by the Mattituck Fire Department.

Once the fire was knocked down, CFD firefighters helped Mattituck firefighters with the extensive overhaul and checking the other nearby buildings for any spread.

"Quick actions by MFD firefighters prevented the fire from extending to the larger barns," the CFD said.

Crews fought the blaze for about three hours, officials said.

One firefighter was treated and transported to a local hospital for minor injuries, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under is under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department's arson squad, routine procedure, officials said.

Later, a CFD ambulance was requested to stand by during clean up and overhaul.

The incident was undee the command of Mattituck Fire Department Chief Ed Rittberg.