The Westhampton Beach Fire Department was dispatched for a smoke investigation in the area of Waters Edge Court and Stevens Lane in Westhampton Beach at approximately 11:35 AM on Sunday. During his search of the area, Chief Darryl Schunk discovered a working structure fire on East Division Street and immediately advised FireCom to dispatch a full response for a working fire.
Firefighters arriving on the first-due engine encountered a fully involved two-story wood-frame house with a garage below. It was quickly confirmed that the occupants had evacuated safely. Given the heavy fire conditions and smoke, Chief Schunk made the decision to initiate an exterior attack. Crews worked for over an hour to knock down the bulk of the fire, with additional time spent on overhaul to locate and extinguish any remaining hot spots inside the structure.
Two young men, Marcus LeBrun (a graduate of the department’s junior program) and Isaiah Ortiz, had been having lunch nearby at the village marina when they noticed smoke pouring from the home. They rushed to the scene ahead of the fire department’s arrival and successfully convinced the couple inside—who were unaware of the fire—to evacuate with their dog. Shortly afterward, village police arrived and also reported the fire to dispatch.
Westhampton Beach firefighters were assisted at the scene by volunteers from East Moriches, Eastport, Quogue, and East Quogue. Hampton Bays Fire Department provided standby coverage at the Sunset Avenue firehouse. Also assisting on scene were a Suffolk County Fire Rescue Coordinator, police officers from Westhampton Beach and Quogue, and ambulances from East Moriches and Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance. The Southampton Town Fire Marshal also responded.
One firefighter and one occupant were transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
