Fire tears through Rockaway Avenue businesses, leaves three injured

A massive fire, that first broke out at Polish American deli on West Lincoln Avenue at around 5:30 a.m., has destroyed or damaged a spate of Rockaway businesses.

Stacks of black smoke could be seen billowing up from the village’s main business district as nearly 150 firefighters from various departments across the South Shore were called in to douse the blaze. The operation, from containment to clean-up, took roughly five hours and thirty minutes, noted Valley Stream fire officials.  

How the fire spread

Firefighters arrived on scene  and "quickly determined the fire was located in the rear of the stores and had already extended to the cockloft of multiple business at the intersection of Rockaway Avenue and West Lincoln Avenue," noted fire officials.  "The cockloft is the common space between the ceiling and the roof shared by multiple stores."

A brick wall helped shield Sam’s Steak House, the restaurant neighboring the trio of corner businesses that went up in flames, from being consumed itself.

Village officials react

Mayor Ed Fare called the destruction of these longstanding businesses "a shame" and "a total loss"  but commended the diligent efforts of fire officials in  quelling the flames. 

"Our volunteer firefighters worked professionally and tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, and we are grateful for their efforts and for their extraordinary skill and bravery as they fought to preserve life and property," said Fare in a statement. 

"Deputy Mayor John Tufarelli was on scene, along with representatives from County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office. Together, we have been in constant contact with VSFD Chiefs Scanlon, Capone and Collucci, as well as our fire inspectors, and Valley Stream Building Department officials."

Fare also said this disaster serves as "a stark reminder of why fire department funding, education, and our newly dedicated firefighter training facility are so vital."

In the aftermath of the incident, the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce has kicked off a GoFund page to raise funds for the affected businesses, including one of its own members, the Hearing Center of Long Island.

 Three firefighter suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital and released. No civilians were harmed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Nassau County Fire Marshal noted that investigators do not suspect foul play at this time.