House Fire Breaks Out In East Marion

EAST MARION, NY — A house fire broke out in East Marion Saturday night, officials said.

Maggie Meade and Allon Tatarka were at home at the house on Rocky Point Road with their daughter Stella, 11, and their dog Kevin, when the fire started.

"We were watching a movie and someone driving down the street told us our chimney was on fire," Meade said. The family, as well as a houseguest and her dog, all got out safely.

All agreed that the experience was frightening. What made the situation worse and led to increased damage to the home, was the fact that there are no fire hydrants on the road, Meade said.

"What was a smaller fire became a much larger fire," Meade said, adding that a water truck had to be sent to the scene. "It's surreal to watch your house on fire," she said. "Just to watch my house burning was unnerving."

Neighbors brought the family hot cocoa, she added.

The family had come out to their East Marion home from New York City as they do most every weekend since buying the house five years ago, but had ordered a large grocery delivery, slated to be brought at 7 a.m. Sunday, in case they had to hunker down and stay on the North Fork in the face of the coronavirus state of emergency.

The damage, Meade said, was contained mostly to the master bedroom; smoke and water damage was also sustained. Coincidentally, the family's insurance agent was one of the firefighters battling the blaze.

East Marion, Orient, Greenport and Southold Fire Departments responded.

The family said they had a place to go in Greenport Saturday night. And, to the firefighters who turned out to help, Maggie said, "We are so thankful."