
The cause of a fire that engulfed an unoccupied North Sea house last week, causing extensive structural damage and culminating with a minor injury to at least one firefighter, is still under investigation but not suspicious, Southampton Town Fire Marshal Chris Hansen said this week.
The flames might have broken out in a first-floor bathroom or attic space above it, Mr. Hansen, the lead investigator for the case, said Tuesday. He could not estimate when the investigation is expected to be completed.
The fire started shortly before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, at 48 Knoll Road, and was brought under control in approximately one hour, according to North Sea Fire Department Chief Joseph “Rocky” Ambrose. High humidity and temperatures in the low 90s increased the difficulty in fighting the fire and caused many volunteers to seek relief, Mr. Hansen said.
“The whole house got extensive water and smoke damage and heat [damage], and the whole backside got totally burned out,” the chief explained at the time. Part of the kitchen floor fell into the basement, and firefighters had to cut holes in the roof for ventilation, he added.
A North Sea firefighter was sent to Southampton Hospital for treatment of a minor back injury.
Crews from the Southampton, Sag Harbor and Hampton Bays fire departments and Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance, Southampton Volunteer Ambulance and Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance also responded, Chief Ambrose said.