Fatal House Fire Claims Life, Injures Three in Bellmore

The blaze erupted around 4:30 a.m. at a residence on Chapman Avenue, quickly spreading to a neighboring home and damaging a third property before firefighters could contain the flames. Bellmore Fire Department Chief Ozechowski reported that crews encountered heavy fire conditions upon arrival, with flames too intense for immediate entry into the burning structure.

Winter weather conditions complicated the emergency response when firefighters discovered a crucial fire hydrant buried under ice and snow. Crews had to dig out the hydrant before they could establish a proper water supply, causing what officials described as a “slight delay” in their initial attack on the fire.

Despite the challenging conditions, both firefighters and Nassau County police officers made valiant attempts to enter the burning home to rescue trapped occupants. “Sadly one occupant is deceased at the scene, despite valiant efforts to rescue the trapped occupant by fire department and police officers,” Nassau County Fire Marshal Michael F. Uttaro said in an official statement.

The fire’s intensity caused structural collapse in both affected homes. Residents of the second house managed to evacuate safely without assistance, avoiding what could have been additional casualties. The third property sustained damage but remained structurally sound.

Two Nassau County police officers who attempted the rescue were treated for smoke inhalation at local hospitals. A resident from one of the affected homes also received medical treatment for smoke inhalation injuries. All three are expected to recover from their injuries.

The incident serves as a reminder of the particular dangers winter fires pose on Long Island. Snow and ice can block access to fire hydrants, impede emergency vehicle movement, and create additional hazards for first responders. Local fire departments regularly conduct winter preparations, but natural accumulation can still create unexpected obstacles during emergency responses.

Chapman Avenue remained closed to through traffic for several hours Wednesday morning as fire investigators began their work and utility companies addressed damaged power and gas lines. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office.

The Bellmore community, like many Long Island neighborhoods, features closely spaced homes that can allow fires to spread rapidly between structures. This incident demonstrates how quickly a single-house fire can escalate into a multi-structure emergency, particularly during overnight hours when detection may be delayed.

Fire officials remind residents to maintain clear access to fire hydrants near their properties, especially during winter months. Property owners are encouraged to adopt nearby hydrants informally, keeping them clear of snow and ice to ensure emergency responders can access them quickly during critical situations.

The investigation into the cause of the Chapman Avenue fire continues, with results expected in the coming weeks.