Cats Die In Smithtown House Blaze

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown firefighters battled a home blaze that started in a gazebo in the backyard on Friday night, Smithtown Fire Department public information officer Rick Torre said.

The gazebo was engulfed in flames that spread into the first floor and attic of a split-level home on Brooksite Drive around 11:20 p.m., Torre said.

No people were killed in the fire, but cats died, Torre said.

Assistant Chief Joseph Palazzo arrived first and responded to Chief Timothy Duckham.
working fire to responding Chief Timothy Duckham. Engine 4-2-2 arrived within 6-and-a-half minutes of the call, led by ex-captain Chris Harford. Firefighters began attacking the flames both inside and outside the home.

The fire was extinguished by 12:44 a.m.

Rescuers from Smithtown and Hauppauge searched for possible occupants of the home or pets.

"The complexity of the fire, particularly its extension to the attic, demanded a coordinated and
comprehensive response," the Smithtown Fire Department said.

Neighboring departments Commack, Kings Park, Hauppauge and Nesconset played a "critical role" in dousing the fire, while firefighters from Nissequogue, St. James and Stony Brook provided coverage. In total, 75 firefighters responded. None were injured.

Firefighters were released at 2:02 a.m.

The Town of Smithtown Fire Marshals office is investigating the fire.

"[Friday] night’s incident was a testament to the unwavering commitment and skills of our firefighters and mutual aid partners," Duckham said in a news release. "Faced with rapidly evolving situation, our firefighters demonstrated exceptional professionalism and teamwork to bring the incident under control."