2 Women Killed, 2 Others Hurt In Monday Morning House Fire On Long Island

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two people were killed Monday morning in a house fire on Long Island.

Two others were hurt, including a police officer who was trying to rescue someone, CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis reported.

Once daylight broke it was easy to see the damage the fire caused to the Patchogue home. Its windows were knocked out, the front door was melted and there was charred furniture on the lawn. Inside, firefighters found two women who did not survive.

Neighbor Gina Monteforte said she heard the commotion around 1:30 a.m. at the house on Sinn Street near Sunrise Highway.

"When we saw them all rushing into that house we were like, 'Oh my God, something bad definitely happened,'" Monteforte said. "We just looked across the street and the fire truck, the hoses were across the front lawn. They were breaking the windows in. It was definitely a scary scene, for sure."

Suffolk County Police said a man who lives at the house part-time went by during the overnight hours and when he opened the door he was met by flames. He immediately called 911.

"Fortunate that he did come home at that time or there would have been a third fatality, possibly," said Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer, of the county police Homicide Squad.

Police, however, did arrive in time to rescue a 47-year-old man. A patrol sergeant and two officers were able to get into the basement, wake that man up and get him out. He returned hours later, but didn't want to speak on camera, telling CBS2 he just wanted to get back inside.

Officials said there were no smoke detectors in the home.

"Certainly, smoke detectors would have alerted residents and probably gotten them out quicker," Det. Lt. Beyrer said.

Residents on the block told CBS2's DeAngelis it was not the first time there's been activity at the home.

"With this particular house, there's usually a lot of activity -- cops, fire trucks, ambulances," Monteforte said.

Since January 2016, Suffolk County Police have been called to the home more than 40 times. Neighbors watching the scene unfold Monday morning said they are grateful for those who came to the rescue.

"They're amazing. They're amazing. Not knowing what you're walking into. So, thank God they were here," Monteforte said.

Suffolk County Police arson detectives said they believe the fire was accidental and not criminal, but the cause of the fire, including where it started, is still under investigation.

A police officer hurt his back during the rescue, but is expected to be okay. The resident was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.