Valley Stream fire damages shopping center, kills about 20 pet birds in stores
Firefighters at the scene of the fire on Merrick Road in Valley Stream Tuesday night. Credit: Jim Staubitser
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.
About 50 firefighters battled the fire on Merrick Road in Valley Stream. Credit: Lou Minutoli
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.
Authorities said the row of buildings suffered extensive damage. Credit: Jim Staubitser
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.
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