12/01/2025
It was a tragic day in St James yesterday. At 3:15 pm The St James Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to a residential fire @ 178 Fifty Acre Rd South. A mother and son fell victim to the flames and smoke and a 3rd resident was transported to Stony Brook with smoke inhalation and burns.
The first to arrive were Asst Chief O'Connell from St James and Asst Chief Capogna from the Nesconset FD.
Upon arrival a working fire was confirmed that had engulfed the first floor and spread to the second. These 2 men were informed by a resident that two victims were trapped on the second floor. Unable to access the fire-affected side, they entered from the rear but encountered zero visibility and intense heat. With no hand lines in place yet, they decided to retreat and attack from a different angle.
Meanwhile, Command was established by St James 1st Asst Chief, Danny Keegan.
Once Engine 4-3-3 arrived, they split up, The SJFD Chief ventured to the 2nd floor via the interior stairwell, while the NFD Chief and Nesconset Firefighter Cacioli made access via ground ladder. Unfortunately, the 2nd floor conditions worsened, forcing both Chiefs and Cacioli to bail out.
Lines from multiple engines were stretched and firefighters pushed their way into the structure to knock down the flames. All efforts were made to reach the trapped residents but the fire load made it impossible.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and their loved ones during this difficult time.
We thank all the neighboring mutual aid departments for their assistance, sometimes it takes much more than a village.
Nesconset FD, Smithtown Fire Department, Nissequogue FD, Hauppague FD, Central Islip FD, Stony Brook FD & Central Islip EMS.
Photo's courtesy of Joe Sperber.
