Handicapped woman rescued from Cedarhurst fire

A Lawrence-Cedarhurst firefighter and Fourth Precinct police officers rescued a handicapped woman from a fire at a house at 456 Fifth Ave. in Cedarhurst on July 20.

The call first came in at 2: 29 p.m., according to LCFD Chief Joseph Sperber. “Heavy fire was visible from two rooms on the second floor of the multiple family extending to the third floor,” Sperber said.

LCFD 2nd Assistant Chief Anthony Rivelli entered the home and found the physically challenged woman, 56, who was unable to get out from the first floor. With the help of the police, Rivelli got the woman out of the house. Four other residents had already exited the home. The house was severely damaged.

The woman and three of the four residents was taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside and treated for smoke inhalation. A Hewlett firefighter was taken to Franklin Medical Center in Valley Stream for treatment of a facial cut from falling debris.

“The fire was under control in 30 minutes, but overhaul and opening up walls to check for hidden pockets of fire took an additional hour,” Sperber said.

The fire began in the second floor apartment where incense and candles were lit, according to officials. Nassau County fire marshals deemed the fire accidental.

Seven fire departments and nearly 100 firefighters fought the blaze which seriously damaged the house, officials said. In addition to Lawrence-Cedarhurst and Hewlett, Inwood, Meadowmere, Woodmere, Lynbrook and Elmont departments responded to the scene.