Neighbor Describes 'Incredibly Emotional' Manorhaven House Fire As Crews Battle Blaze From Exterior

MANORHAVEN, NY — Three people were displaced on Sunday after a fire in a Manorhaven home, fire marshals said, and a neighbor recounts the moments she saw the fire begin.

Elizabeth DiNapoli from Port Washington was working nearby when she saw smoke and heard sirens.

"It was one of the craziest house fires I've ever seen here in town," DiNapoli said. "The smoke was thick, black, and visible from all over town."

The Port Washington Fire Department received a call for a 2-family house fire on Orchard Beach Road at 7:15 p.m., the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office said.

Due to "heavy fire," the firefighters on scene were evacuated from the house and went on to battle the fire from the exterior, raising the fire to a third-alarm, fire marshals said.

According to fire marshals, an occupant of the house self-evacuated, and one firefighter was evaluated at the scene. The home is uninhabitable, and at least three adults are displaced, fire marshals said.

DiNapoli was working for a client as a local pet sitter directly across the bay from Orchard Beach Boulevard when she was alerted to the intense scene.

"A close friend of mine lives in that row of houses, so for a moment I thought it might be her home," she said. "I got in my car and drove over immediately."

When she got there, she saw the fire was at the house next door, and she stayed for about an hour as crews worked to get the fire under control. She stayed with her friend, who was concerned that a shift in the wind could put her own home at risk.

Although it wasn't her home, she said it was still a surreal scene, and she felt for the residents who were displaced.

"It was incredibly emotional to witness, and I am just so grateful that everyone is okay," she said.

Reflecting on how the first responders worked, she said she is thankful for her local heroes.

"On Father's Day, these men and women left their own families to help save two others from what could have been an unthinkable tragedy," she said.

Approximately 75 firefighters were on scene, and mutual aid was provided by Roslyn, Manhasset Lakeville, Glenwood, and more, all under the command of Chief Lore, fire marshals said.

"What was so incredible to witness was not only the way the Port Washington Fire Department handled such an intense scene, but also the collaboration and support from the surrounding departments," DiNapoli said. "We are truly lucky to have such incredible firefighters and first responders in our community."

DiNapoli said that Port Washington is made up of some of the most amazing people, "and last night was a powerful reminder of that."

"As horrible as this incident was, it also reminded me why I love this town so much," she said. "It restored my faith in just how incredible this community is."