Deadly Bellmore Fire Claims One Life, Injures Three Others

The blaze erupted around 4:30 a.m. at a home on Chapman Avenue, quickly spreading to neighboring properties before firefighters could contain the flames. Despite heroic rescue attempts by both police officers and firefighters, one resident was found dead at the scene.

“Sadly one occupant is deceased at the scene, despite valiant efforts to rescue the trapped occupant by fire department and police officers,” Chief Fire Marshal Michael F. Uttaro said in a statement released Wednesday.

Bellmore Fire Department Chief Ozechowski described arriving to heavy fire conditions that had already begun spreading to a second home. The residents of that second house managed to evacuate safely on their own, avoiding what could have been additional casualties.

Firefighters faced significant challenges during their response, including a fire hydrant that had become encased in ice and snow from recent winter weather. Crews had to dig out the hydrant, causing what officials described as a “slight delay” in their initial attack on the flames.

The intensity of the fire forced firefighters to retreat from their initial entry attempt into the burning home. Both structures ultimately suffered structural collapse due to the severity of the blaze, and a third nearby home sustained damage.

Three people required medical treatment for smoke inhalation, including two Nassau County police officers who were injured while attempting to enter the burning home to rescue the trapped resident. A third resident from one of the affected homes also received treatment for smoke inhalation.

The Chapman Avenue area, located in the heart of Bellmore’s residential community, saw significant emergency response activity throughout the early morning hours. Multiple fire departments from surrounding Nassau County communities assisted in the response, a common practice for serious structure fires on Long Island.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, though officials have not released any preliminary findings. The investigation will examine potential electrical, heating, or other mechanical causes that could have sparked the deadly blaze.

Bellmore, a hamlet in the Town of Hempstead, has seen several significant fires over the past year, highlighting ongoing concerns about residential fire safety during the winter months when heating systems work overtime and emergency response can be complicated by weather conditions.

The tragedy serves as a reminder for Long Island residents to check smoke detectors, review family escape plans, and ensure heating systems are properly maintained. Fire officials consistently emphasize that working smoke detectors and clear evacuation routes can mean the difference between life and death in residential fires.

Local residents expressed shock at the severity of the fire and praised the quick response of emergency personnel. The tight-knit Bellmore community has rallied around the affected families, with neighbors offering support and assistance.

The identity of the deceased resident has not been released pending notification of family members. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office continues its investigation and expects to release additional details about the fire’s cause in the coming days.