Carelessly Discarded Cigarette Leaves Couple Homeless

At approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad received a report of a house fire at 3202 Burgess Road in Breezy Point.
Rescue units from Huntingtown, Dunkirk, North Beach and Prince Frederick arrived on the scene as Engine 62 from Huntingtown made the initial attack on the fire.
Upon arrival, a second alarm for a working house fire was dispatched to get additional water and manpower to the scene. The owner of the home discovered the blaze in a bedroom of the home.
Investigation revealed the fire was determined to be accidental from a carelessly discarded cigarette. Two occupants of the home sustained smoke inhalation while escaping the fire. Both occupants were treated by emergency personnel on the scene and both refused transport.
The occupants were displaced from the home and are being assisted by friends.
Damage to the home is estimated to be about $175,000.