Firefighters Battle Blaze in Cold Spring Hills – 2 Pet Cats Perish

The Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department responded to a house fire on Coldport Drive in Cold Spring Hills, Friday night, January 11. The second floor of the two-story colonial was almost completely engulfed in flames when Cold Spring Harbor volunteer firefighters arrived shortly after 11:40 p.m. Mutual aid assistance was requested from the Huntington, Syosset, and Atlantic Steamer (Oyster Bay) fire departments, with Halesite FD providing standby coverage for Cold Spring Harbor. Suffolk County Fire-Rescue Coordinators also provided assistance.

Five occupants in the house safely evacuated the home uninjured before units arrived. Cold Spring Harbor Rescue Squad EMT’s attempted to resuscitate two pet cats that were removed by firefighters, but they perished. Fifty firefighters were on the scene with eight trucks, and quickly had the fire controlled, under the command of Chief Chris Ingwersen, supported by Assistant Chiefs Bob Hahn and Dan Froehlich.

The second floor and attic of the house suffered extensive damage. The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Fire Marshal are investigating. “The crews did an amazing job of knocking down the fire and saved the structure,” said Chief Chris Ingwersen. “It shows that the training we do pays off when its time to go to work.”

Story &  Photos by Steve Silverman