The Islip Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Boston Avenue. First Assistant Chief Gunst arrived and confirmed heavy fire showing from the 1-4 corner of a single-story ranch with a full walkout basement. The home’s occupants were unaccounted for as the fire was reported by neighbors. Islip crews mounted an aggressive interior attack and primary search. Upon entry to the first floor a victim was located and removed from the home but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. Operations were hindered by heavy clutter in the the basement and attic, which led to delays in accessing much of the fire. The fire was not able to be declared under control for an hour and 40 minutes. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Arson and Homicide Squads as well as the Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s office. Mutual aid came from East Islip, Bay Shore, Brentwood, Islip Terrace, Central Islip, West Islip, West Sayville, East Brentwood, Hauppauge, Exchange Ambulance of the Islips, and Sayville Community Ambulance.
– Fire News photos by Richard Stark, FC 49 and Ken Bradbury; story by the Islip FD
