Fatal Fire Destroys Two Bellmore Homes, Injures Three Others

A deadly house fire that broke out early Wednesday morning in Bellmore claimed one life and injured three others, including two Nassau County police officers who attempted a rescue.

The blaze began around 4:30 a.m. at a residence on Chapman Avenue, quickly intensifying into what fire officials described as “heavy fire conditions” that prevented initial rescue attempts. Firefighters were forced to retreat from the burning structure due to the intensity of the flames.

Tragically, one occupant of the original home died at the scene despite valiant rescue efforts by both fire department personnel and police officers, according to Chief Fire Marshal Michael F. Uttaro.

The fire’s rapid spread damaged three properties total, with flames completely destroying two homes and causing damage to a third. Residents of the second house successfully evacuated themselves before the structure became engulfed. Both destroyed homes suffered structural collapse from the intense heat and flames.

Bellmore Fire Department Chief Ozechowski noted that winter conditions complicated the emergency response. A fire hydrant covered in ice and snow required firefighters to dig it out before they could access water, causing what officials described as a “slight delay” in their initial attack on the blaze.

Three people required medical treatment for smoke inhalation injuries. One resident from the affected properties remains hospitalized, while two Nassau County police officers who attempted to enter the burning home to rescue the trapped occupant also received treatment for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office. No preliminary determination has been released regarding what may have sparked the deadly blaze.

Chapman Avenue, located in the heart of Bellmore’s residential area, is lined with single-family homes typical of Nassau County’s suburban neighborhoods. The street sits just blocks from Bellmore’s downtown business district and the Long Island Rail Road station.

This incident marks one of the most serious residential fires in Bellmore in recent memory. The Bellmore Fire Department, which serves approximately 16,000 residents in the hamlet, responded with multiple units to battle the blaze.

Winter fires present particular challenges for Long Island fire departments, as frozen equipment, icy conditions, and snow-covered hydrants can hamper response times and firefighting capabilities. The combination of dry winter air and heating systems working overtime during cold snaps often increases fire risks across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Local officials praised the quick response of both fire and police personnel who risked their safety attempting to save lives. The investigation into the fire’s cause continues, with results expected to be released once the Nassau County Fire Marshal completes the examination of the scene.

Residents of the damaged properties will require temporary housing as they deal with the aftermath of losing their homes just one week before Christmas.