Seaford House Catches Fire Amid Powerful Thunderstorms

SEAFORD, NY — Dozens of firefighters were called to a Seaford home that caught fire as powerful thunderstorms packing heavy rains and wind rumbled through the region.

The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the walls of a home near Shore and Arrowhead places, the Wantagh Fire Department said. Smoke had filled the home by the time firefighters arrived, and the blaze was located inside walls at an electrical pane.

Additional units were called, with about 65 firefighters and medics in all responding. The fire was quickly extinguished and members went about overhauling and ventilating the home.

The fire appeared to be electrical in nature. No injuries were reported.

Kevin Regan, a spokesman for the Wantagh Fire Department, said in a release that the storms led to a busy night for fire crews, who responded to 17 alarms from about 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. on Friday morning. That includes three rescue calls and 14 investigations into smoke, downed wires down and wire/transformer fires.

Tree branches often rub against electrical wires during heavy storms involving high winds. The protective insulation on the wires can become chafed or bare, exposing live electrical wires, he said. Those with electrical wires near trees or shrubs that could be damaged during storms should call PSEG Long Island to have trees trimmed, said Regan.