Fire Kills Levittown Woman, 84
Firefighters hindered by cluttered hallways

Story/Photos by Jack Healy

The Wantagh FD responded to a house fire on Sunday, December 3, 2000 located at 5 Silo Lane, Levittown.  The house was occupied at the time of the fire by three occupants and initial reports were that a person was trapped and that neighbors were attempting a rescue.

Wantagh’s 3rd Asst Chief John Gillen was first to arrive and attempted to gain entry after being informed that an Idessa Powell, 84 years old could not be located.  By now heavy smoke was coming from windows and doors of the house.

Rescue efforts by arriving firefighters were hampered by the heavy smoke and the copious amount of clutter in the house which hindered their movements.  An aggressive attack was made with hose lines on the first and second floors.

Unfortunately Mrs. Powell died in the fire, who was found by firefighters amongst the clutter on the first floor of the two story dwelling.  Four firefighters also suffered minor injuries from lacerations, smoke and burns but none were hospitalized.

Mutual aid at the scene was provided by a ladder truck and ambulance from the Levittown FD and an ambulance from the North Bellmore FD.  Units from the Levittown and Seaford FD also stood by at Wantagh fire stations.

According to 1st Assistant Chief Jimmy Johnston, the fire appeared to have started in the vicinity of a fireplace. The Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office, Nassau County 8th Squad Detectives and the Arson & Bomb Squad are investigating the fire.
 
 

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