Fire breaks out in Plainview condominium complex

A fast moving fire in a condo complex heavily damaged four units and affected a fifth. The fire has also displaced four families from their homes. (December 31, 2009) Credit: Paul Mazza
A dozen people were left homeless New Year’s Eve by a fire at a condominium complex in Plainview, officials said Thursday.
Melissa Ingberg of the American Red Cross in Nassau said, “Five units were affected. We’re prepared to provide food and clothing and temporary shelter.”
>> PHOTOS: Click here to see photos from this blaze and other recent LI fires
The fire broke out about 5:20 p.m. at the Villa of Views condominiums at 209 Alto Palo Dr., Plainview, police said.
Plainview Fire Chief James Mertz said about 50 firefighters from his and the Hicksville and Bethpage fire departments responded to the fire shortly after 5 p.m. They brought the fire under control in about an hour but one apartment “was pretty much gone and the other three were inhabitable,” Mertz said. One firefighter was treated for a minor injury, he said, and none of the condo residents were injured. The Red Cross was finding room in local motels for the displaced people, Mertz said.
The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation, officials said. No one was in the apartment when it started, Mertz said, and the fire quickly spread through the attached attic spaces to the other units.

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