Sands Point, NY, May 5, 2005 – About 100 firefighters were needed to battle mid-afternoon fire in a 150-year-old house in this Long Island neighborhood. The Port Washington Fire Department was called for an automatic fire alarm activation at 1:10 P.M. Upon arrival, Chief Glen Pedersen encountered a heavy smoke condition from the entire roofline of a 25-by-75-foot structure.
The first-due engine stretched a handline to initiate an interior attack and was slowed by “Collier’s mansion” conditions. An advanced fire condition was found due to balloon-frame construction and firefighters had difficulty entering the fire room. Within 10 minutes, conditions were untenable and crews were withdrawn for an exterior attack.
Port Washington’s tower ladder was set up on the exposure 4 side as quints from the Roslyn Rescue Fire Company and Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department were placed into operation on the exposure 3 and 1 sides, respectively. Heavy fire was visible throughout the structure for more than two hours before the fire was brought under control. Five departments were called in on mutual aid. Some units remained on scene for eight hours for overhaul as many sections of the roof had collapsed.
Access to the structure was an issue. The property was heavily landscaped with trees and shrubbery and lined by a fence. Several sections of fence were removed to gain access for the apparatus. Water supply was another obstacle, as only one water main fed the fire block. A large-diameter hoselay was used to boost pressure, closing a main thoroughfare.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to have started in the garage, which doubled as a workshop for repairing and restoring antiques. About $2 million in damage was done to antiques alone.
—Peter Matthews
