Smithtown Home Destroyed In Blaze; 75 Firefighters Douse Flames

SMITHTOWN, NY — A Smithtown home was destroyed in a fire early Tuesday.

Smithtown firefighters responded to a Dorchester Road home around 3:45 a.m. when a fire ignited the garage and quickly spread to the living space and attic, public information officer Rick Torre said in a news release.

The Smithtown Fire Department and five others tackled the blaze, preventing it from escalating further. Approximately 75 firefighters operated in below freezing conditions and brought the fire under control in about an hour.

"Despite the bitter cold temperatures, our firefighters exhibited remarkable courage and dedication in firefighting this overnight fire," Smithtown Chief of Department Timothy Duckham said in a news release. "The constant commitment of our volunteer firefighters to leave the warmth of their beds to put their lives on the line for their community is a testament to their selflessness and professionalism. As always, I’m quite proud."

All occupants safely exited the home, and no civilians or firefighters were injured, Torre said.

Mutual aid was supplied by the Nesconset, Hauppauge, St. James, Commack and Kings Park fire
departments. Nissequogue and Central Islip fire departments provided fire coverage for the Smithtown Fire Department, while EMS coverage was handled by the Central Islip-Hauppauge Ambulance Corps and the Stony Brook Fire Department.

Firefighters accessed the attic to slow the fire's spread. Nesconset firefighters provided a ladder truck and searched for potential victims or fire spread, according to Torre.

Operations were coordinated by assistant chiefs Daniel Dongvort, Andrew Kelly and Joseph Palazzo while all units operated under Duckham's command. Crews were released from the home at 6:18 a.m.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad.