Firefighters from 11 companies battle blaze that destroys Smithtown home

Firefighters from 11 Suffolk County fire departments battled frigid temperatures to extinguish a house fire that swept through a garage and home early Tuesday in Smithtown, authorities said.

There were no reported injuries, but the home on Dorchester Road was destroyed.

“The occupants were able to safely exit the residence and there were fortunately no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad,” said a statement from the Smithtown department.

It was not clear how many people were in the house at the time.

Smithtown Chief Timothy Duckham said in a statement: “Despite the bitter cold temperatures, our firefighters exhibited remarkable courage and dedication in firefighting this overnight fire.”

Officials said the fire was reported in a 911 call at 3:44 a.m.

About 75 firefighters battled the blaze including departments from Smithtown, Commack, St. James, Nesconset, Nissequogue, Kings Park, Centereach, Ronkonkoma, Setauket, Stony Brook and Central Islip.

Data from the National Weather Service shows it was about 22 degrees at the time of the fire, though wind chill temperatures made it feel like it was about 13 degrees.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”