Valley Stream fire damages shopping center, kills about 20 pet birds in stores

A fire heavily damaged a Valley Stream shopping center Tuesday night, killing close to 20 birds  kept as pets in the stores, authorities said.

The fire was reported shortly after 9 p.m. in Ben & Tony’s Barber Shop on Merrick Road, which was not occupied at the time, said Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro.

Upon arriving, the Valley Stream Fire Department encountered fire in the barbershop and adjoining row of stores. About 50 firefighters from Elmont and Lawrence-Cedarhurst joined Valley Stream to battle the blaze, which took 45 minutes to bring under control, Uttaro said.

No civilians or firefighters were injured in the blaze, Uttaro said

Valley Stream Fire Chief Anthony Capone, who was in command of the fire, said there were almost 20 birds and possibly turtles that died in the blaze, which were pets of the occupants.

Fire marshal investigators and Nassau police Arson/Bomb detectives were investigating the cause, but the fire is not considered suspicious, Uttaro said.

The fire caused serious damage to the barbershop and neighboring tenants, and the Valley Stream Building Department was evaluating the condition of the building, he said.