Fatal House Fire Claims Life, Injures 3 in Bellmore

A deadly house fire swept through a residential neighborhood in Bellmore early Wednesday morning, claiming the life of one resident and sending three others to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.

The blaze erupted around 4:30 a.m. at a home on Chapman Avenue, quickly overwhelming the structure with heavy flames that prevented firefighters from making an immediate rescue attempt. Despite valiant efforts by both fire department personnel and Nassau County police officers, one occupant was found deceased 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 reported that crews encountered heavy fire conditions upon arrival, with flames rapidly spreading to a neighboring house. The residents of the second home managed to evacuate safely on their own before the fire reached dangerous levels.

Winter weather conditions complicated the emergency response, as firefighters had to dig out a fire hydrant that was covered in ice and snow, causing what officials described as a “slight delay” in their initial attack on the flames.

The intense fire caused structural collapse in both homes, leaving significant damage that will likely require demolition. A third nearby house sustained damage from the spreading blaze, though the extent remains under assessment.

Two Nassau County police officers were treated for smoke inhalation after attempting to enter the burning structure to rescue the trapped resident. One additional resident was hospitalized for smoke inhalation treatment and is expected to recover.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about winter fire safety on Long Island, where heating systems work overtime during cold months and emergency responders often face challenging conditions with snow-covered equipment and icy roads.

Nassau County Fire Marshal investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, though no preliminary findings have been released. The investigation will examine potential sources including heating equipment, electrical systems, and other common causes of residential fires during winter months.

Chapman Avenue remained partially closed Wednesday morning as fire crews completed their work and investigators processed the scene. Utility companies were called to secure gas and electrical lines in the affected area.

The Bellmore Fire Department was assisted by multiple surrounding departments in battling the blaze, a common practice for serious structure fires in Nassau County where mutual aid agreements ensure adequate resources for major emergencies.

This marks one of the most serious residential fires in Bellmore in recent years, underscoring the importance of working smoke detectors and evacuation plans, particularly during winter months when heating-related fires are more common.

Residents in the immediate area were temporarily relocated while crews ensured the safety of surrounding structures and cleared debris from the roadway.