Body Found In Rubble After Raging Long Island Fire, House Collapse: PD

MATTITUCK, NY — Firefighters tackled a blaze at a Mattituck house Tuesday morning that left one person dead, one injured and a family with four small children displaced, their home in ruins.

According to Southold Police Chief Steve Grattan, Suffolk County arson detectives found a body at the home. The individual has not been positively identified, but is believed to be the missing adult male, he said.

The Suffolk County homicide squad is now handling the investigation, Grattan said.

The community has opened its hearts to help those left homeless: A GoFundMe, "Support Erick Morales' Family After Fire," was created by Audrey Dwyer. "Early this morning, one of our local families suffered a terrible loss. A fire swept through the house of Erick Morales. They lost everything. On behalf of the whole North Fork community and Rafael Morais (community liaison), we are asking for help to support this wonderful, hardworking family in rebuilding. Any donation is appreciated and will be given directly to the family. Thank you for your generosity," she said.

"The family is devastated," said another local resident collecting donations to help. Adults plus four small children escaped with their lives but now have nothing; everything was lost, she said. Three vehicles are also now gone, she said.

Clothing is needed for boys ages 4, 7, and 8, and a girl, 9. The 8-year-old boy can wear clothes in men's XS or youth XL. Men's medium and large clothing, and women's size large clothing, are also needed.

Gift cards and cash are also needed. To donate to the GoFundMe, click here. To donate clothing and other items, email oceanview4u2@gmail.com. Donations of gift cards and cash are also being accepted at Wendy's Deli, located at 55 Middle Road in Mattituck.

According to Grattan, a 911 call came in at about 9:45 a.m. about afire at a residential home near Sound and Westphalia Avenues. The first responding officer arrived at the scene within one minute and observed that a portion of the house was already heavily engulfed in flames and the fire was spreading rapidly, he said.

One person was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for precautionary evaluation, Grattan said.

The structure suffered significant damage and collapsed, Grattan said.