Blaze Destroys Halesite Mansion

A Halesite mansion was destroyed by a rapidly growing blaze that broke out on Friday morning.

The Halesite Fire Department responded to the report of a basement fire in the historical Bay Crest section of Huntington Bay to find a fully involved working structure fire in an 8,000 square-foot mansion at approximatley 11 a.m.

The Huntington Bay Police Chief told firefighters upon arrival that the home was empty and there was a hot, rapidly growing fire on the first and second floors. Firefighters entered the home and discovered the first floor collapsed into the basement, fire officials say.

Nearly 70 firefighters worked together to get the blaze under control.

The scene was under the command of Chief Greg Colonna, with assistance from First Assistant Chief James Magerle and Second Assistant Chief Dom Spada.

Mutual aid was provided by Huntington Fire Department, Centerport Fire Department, Huntington Manor Fire Department, Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department and Greenlawn Fire Department. Northport Fire Department provided standby coverage and Huntington Community First Aid Squad stood by at the scene. Town of Huntington Highway crew assisted in demolition of the structure during the fire.

Halesite Fire Department Photos, details in story provided by PIO Steve Silverman in press release