Several Buildings Destroyed By Fast-Moving Blaze On Fire Island
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Just weeks before the start of the tourist season, fire destroyed several structures on Fire Island.
More than a dozen fire departments responded to the fire, which broke out around 1:30 a.m. Friday.
Several Buildings Destroyed By Blaze On Fire Island
Cherry Grove Assistant Fire Chief Craig Williams said that the fire appears to have started in the Holly House apartment complex and quickly spread to the adjacent Grove Hotel.
Both were destroyed, including the boardwalk and three unoccupied homes.
"I'm heartbroken," Grove Hotel owner Frank Liguori said. "We love this place, this place has been here for over 50 years....We would love to rebuild as soon as possible."
Williams said the very popular Ice Palace night club, which is also owned by Liguori, survived the fire and did not suffer serious damage.
Several Buildings Destroyed By Blaze On Fire Island
"This was the first gay community in the world and people come from all over the world to stay here," Liguori told CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff.
Frank Pezzuto, owner of Cherry Grove Pizza, said the Ice Palace is the heart of the Grove and is glad it was spared.
"If it would've spread to the Ice Palace that would've been devastating to the community," Pezzuto said.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone hailed firefighters for saving many other buildings and homes.
"This is a tough day but it could've been worse," Bellone said.
Williams said nature helped firefighters battle the blaze.
"Thank goodness for the rain last night because it helped keep the spot fires down," he said.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
Just three years ago, fire devastated the island's other gay landmark the Pines. It has rebuilt and Cherry Grove residents say this will too, Gusoff reported.
"This community is very strong. They stick together and they will bring it back," said longtime Cherry Grove visitor Eileen Petzold.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Residents told Gusoff roofing work was under way at the Holly House.
Officials said nothing can be ruled out yet, including arson, Gusoff reported.
Luckily, no one was seriously injured.
