Rocky Point auto repair shop damaged by blaze, but owner says he'll open Monday

The owner of a Rocky Point auto repair shop is picking up the pieces after a fire tore through his garage Saturday afternoon, but said it’ll be business as usual come Monday morning.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at Rapid Inc. Automotive Service & Repair at 669 Route 25A just after 12:30 p.m., according to Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.

"The guys were all in the bathroom washing up to go home for the weekend, [to] relax with our families," owner Stephen Lance Bielenda said in an interview later Saturday. "It all happened so quick ... my head is still spinning."

The fire spread through the garage and damaged vehicles inside, according to Suffolk FRES. Officials there said the fire was under control shortly after 1 p.m. and at least seven fire departments were requested to assist Rocky Point Fire Department.

"The building's not a total disaster, but it’s pretty bad," Bielenda said, adding that a pickup truck and Hyundai sedan were damaged in the fire.

He said he hasn’t had time to estimate the losses and is awaiting word from his insurance company.

Suffolk County police said the business was evacuated and there were no injuries reported.

Bielenda, 68, said he was shaken up to see his shop, which marks 37 years in business in December, up in flames, but is willing to do whatever it takes to keep it up and running.

"Monday morning we’re going to try to resume our daily routine," he said. "I’ve got to survive, I’ve got to keep paying my bills. Nothing stops, so if I’ve got to work on my back like I started, that’s what I’ll be doing."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and will be turned over to the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad and Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal’s Office, according to police and Suffolk FRES.

The fire was reported just after 12:30 p.m. at Rapid Inc. Automotive Service & Repair, located at 669 Route 25A, and the scene was under control shortly after 1 p.m., according to Suffolk FRES. Some vehicles inside the shop burned, the agency said.

Newsday's Joe Werkmeister contributed to this story.