Cause of Port Washington House Fire Remains Under Investigation

The cause of a fire that started in the basement of a Port Washington home Saturday remains under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal, said Port Washington Fire Department Assistant Chief Ray Ryan.  

When firefighters arrived Saturday, they were confronted with heavy smoke and a building that included new construction, presenting multiple challenges to the crews.

Among the challenges:

• Solar panels on the roof
• Partitions that inhibited extinguishment
• Construction that allowed the fire to spread
• Atmospheric conditions that inhibited firefighters' efforts to ventilate the building

Ultimately, the home was engulfed in thick smoke.

At one point, a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor, but was pulled back. He was brought to the hospital and treated for minor injuries. A total of four firefighters were sent to the hospital, with symptoms ranging from elevated blood pressure to a head injury. All have been released.

There were no injuries to civilians. Neighbors took the family in, Ryan said.

Assisting the fight with Port Washington were crews from Manhasset, Plandome, Great Neck Alerts, Great Neck Vigilance, Garden City Park, Williston Park, Roslyn Rescue and Roslyn Heights. These neighboring firefighters were called for relief and labor purposes, Ryan said.