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Fast-Moving Blaze Claims Five Lives in Riverhead

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

RIVERHEAD, NY - On November 16th, Riverhead firefighters were assisted by Flanders, Eastport and Jamesport Fire Departments, along with ambulances from Wading River, Flanders, Hampton Bays and Shirley, with battling a fast-moving deadly fire in a 100-year-old, three-story, wood-framed Victorian home at 46 East 2nd St.

Ten people lived in the residence that had apartments on every floor, but only five were able to escape. The five residents living on the third floor all perished.

Crews were forced to fight the fire from the exterior due to a partial roof collapse and a heavy volume of fire. Riverhead's truck was set up on the left side of the home while approximately seven hand lines surrounded the rest of the structure.

Firefighters fought the blaze for several hours before being able to search for the victims, all of which were located on the top floor apartment. The SCPD Arson Squad and Riverhead fire marshals responded out to investigate the fatal fire.

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CHRIS SABELLASenior Correspondent

No information from the author.