Garage Fire Damages Home In Smithtown, 75 Firefighters Respond: Chief

SMITHTOWN, NY — A garage fire with extension into a residence prompted a large response from the Smithtown Fire Department and multiple mutual aid departments Wednesday afternoon, fire officials said.

Chief of Department Dan Dongvort said the department was alerted at approximately 12:30 p.m. to a reported house fire on South Pond Lane in the Hidden Ponds complex.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a heavy fire load inside the attached garage that had extended into the main portion of the home, Dongvort said.

“At the height of the response, approximately 75 volunteer firefighters worked tirelessly to quickly extinguish the fire and successfully contain it to the area of origin,” Dongvort said.

Crews conducted an aggressive interior fire attack while additional firefighters performed searches and checked all attached exposures to ensure the fire had not spread to neighboring condo units, officials said. Firefighters were able to stop the extension before it reached adjacent residences.

One resident was evaluated at the scene for minor burns, according to the department.

Firefighters operated on scene for just over 90 minutes before the incident was turned over to the Smithtown Department of Public Safety Fire Marshal’s Office. The Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad is also assisting with the investigation.

Mutual aid departments included Nesconset, Hauppauge, St. James, Commack, Nissequogue, Kings Park, Ronkonkoma, and the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

“Their dedication, along with the outstanding support from our mutual aid partners, really highlights the strength of our teamwork and commitment to protecting the community,” Dongvort said.