Full Breakdown
Tragic Three-Alarm Fire in Bellmore Claims One Life and Injures Three
2/12/2026, 6:49:48 AM
Overview of the Incident
A three-alarm fire erupted early Wednesday morning in Bellmore, New York, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, including two Nassau County police officers. The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. at a residence on Chapman Avenue and quickly spread to neighboring homes, prompting a significant emergency response.
Fire Response and Damage
Firefighters from the Bellmore Fire Department arrived on the scene within minutes, encountering heavy flames and smoke. Chief Eric Ozechowski reported that the fire was already well-developed upon their arrival, complicating rescue efforts. Despite attempts to enter the burning home, firefighters were forced back by intense heat and flames. A fire hydrant, covered in ice and snow, required excavation, causing a slight delay in firefighting efforts. Ultimately, over 100 firefighters from twelve different departments worked for approximately 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
The fire severely damaged two homes, leading to their structural collapse, while a third home sustained minor damage. The deceased victim was found in the home where the fire originated, and another occupant was rescued and transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents described the harrowing scene as flames engulfed the homes. Kathie Tinucci, a neighbor, recounted witnessing the fire rapidly spread from one house to another. "I saw the house across the street fully engulfed in flames," she said. Another resident, Brian Calderado, noted the overwhelming smoke that filled the area.
Official Statements
Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro confirmed the death of one resident and the injuries of three others, including two police officers who attempted to assist at the scene. He stated, "Despite valiant efforts to rescue the trapped occupant by the fire department and police officers, the victim could not be saved." The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities not ruling out the possibility of criminality.
Criticism and Concerns
Local residents expressed their shock and concern over the incident, with some highlighting the increasing frequency of fires in the area. Susan Keogh, a nearby resident, voiced her worries about the safety of older homes in the neighborhood, stating, "This is so awful."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While all sources agree on the basic facts of the fire, discrepancies exist regarding the timeline of events and the specific conditions faced by firefighters. Some reports emphasize the delay caused by the icy hydrant, while others downplay its impact on the rescue efforts.
What's Next
Investigators from the Nassau County Fire Marshal's office and the Police Arson Bomb Squad are actively working to determine the cause of the fire. The Town of Hempstead Building Department is also involved in assessing the damage to the affected properties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “despite valiant efforts to rescue the trapped occupant by the fire department and police officers,” — Michael F. Uttaro, Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal
- “I saw the house across the street fully engulfed in flames and we came running downstairs and we watched it jump from one house to another house,” — Kathie Tinucci, Neighbor
- “This is so awful," she said.” — Susan Keogh, Local Resident
