Wheelchair-bound Woman, Dog Make It Out of House Fire

Smoke was coming up through the floor from the basement for at least a half-hour before firefighters were called to 162 Noyac Path in Water Mill.

Michael Heller

Apr. 15, 2016

Star Staff

Update, April 18, 10:30 a.m.: A wheelchair-bound woman and her dog escaped a Water Mill house that was on fire Friday afternoon, according to the Bridgehampton Fire Department.

Chief Jeff White said the homeowner smelled and saw smoke coming up from the basement at 162 Noyac Path for at least for a half-hour before leaving the residence to get to help. Her house phone was not working due to the fire. When she got down to the road, passerbys called 911 at 2:21 p.m.

There was "a bit of smoke" coming up through the floors in the living room and kitchen when the chief arrived. The fire had also extended up an exterior wall and destroyed two of the floor joists. Chief White said the fire, which had been smoldering for some time, appeared to be electrical in nature, but that the Southampton Town Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause. "Another 15 minutes and it really would have been burning," he said.

Bridgehampton's emergency medical services personnel examined the woman for smoke inhalation, but she was not transported to the hospital.

The Bridgehampton Fire Department received assistance from the Sag Harbor and Southampton Fire Departments. Though the fire was quickly knocked down, firefighters remained on scene for about an hour and a half. The East Hampton Fire Department stood by at Bridgehampton's firehouse during the call.

Originally, April 15, 3:19 p.m.: The Bridgehampton Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 162 Noyac Path in Water Mill shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday. A Southampton Fire Department engine was also on the scene, as was the Sag Harbor Fire Department’s Rapid Intervention Team.

One person was examined by emergency medical technicians, but was not transported to the hospital. The East Hampton Fire Department is standing by at the Bridgehampton Firehouse, and PSEG Long Island has been called to shut off power to the house. As of 3:15, the fire had been brought under control, but firefighters continued to look for hot spots that could reignite.

Check back for additional information as it becomes available.