Fire in Hewlett Neck

Issue of August 1, 2008

Two people in Hewlett Neck owe their lives to a neighbor who rang their doorbell and woke them up last Wednesday morning after seeing fire and smoke billowing from their house.

The roaring blaze destroyed most of the home on Smith Lane between Phillips Lane and Ocean Avenue. It took 100 firefighters from 10 Nassau County fire departments over four hours to put it out.

“The fire consumed most of the house and caused extensive damage,” said Nassau County Fire Marshal Joseph Whittaker. “An engineer, along with the insurance company, will have to determine just how severe the damage is, but as of now it can no longer be lived in.”

The cause of the fire is still undetermined, but is believed to be accidental. It is thought to have begun in an enclosed porch.

Three firefighters were treated on the scene for minor injuries.