Suffolk Reporter

Smithtown, NY – On July 26, 2023, at 11:43 a.m., Smithtown firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Willow Condo Complex on Plantation Drive. First Assistant Chief Daniel Dongvort arrived to find an advanced fire spreading through the roof of unit #11 and into adjacent units within the six-unit townhouse building.

The incident prompted an upgrade to a working fire status and the transmission of a second alarm. Engine 4-2-4 secured a water source and initiated an interior attack with two handlines, supported by Engine 4-2-3. The latter's chauffeur employed its master stream to combat the fire in unit #12.

Hauppauge Fire Department's Engine 3-8-4 deployed additional lines to protect exposures while Nesconset Ladder 4-4-7 conducted roof operations. Despite aggressive efforts, there was a partial collapse of the second floor in both affected units, necessitating an exterior attack strategy.

In total, four handlines and two master streams were utilized during the operation. All residents had evacuated prior to firefighter arrival; one member was treated for heat exhaustion on-site. Third Assistant Chief Joseph Palazzo assisted under the command of Chief Timothy Duckham.

Chief Duckham expressed pride in his team: “Everyday I’m impressed with the dedication of our members, but today I’m especially proud of their actions.”

The blaze was controlled by 12:45 p.m., with crews remaining until 2:20 p.m. The cause is under investigation by Smithtown Fire Marshal’s office, suspected to have started at the rear of unit #11.

Mutual aid was provided by several neighboring departments including Hauppauge, Nesconset, Commack, St. James, Kings Park among others.