A fire that broke out about a pair of Middle Neck Road shops Saturday afternoon burned through two loft apartments and displaced a total of 10 people.
According to information from the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), the fire started around 2:30 p.m. in the apartments on the second floor of 637 and 639 Middle Neck Rd., which are home to Eden Farm II and Twiggs Cards & Gifts, respectively. Since the residents of the apartments were out at the time, police reported nobody was injured, but both apartments sustained extensive damage.
Officers from both the Alert and Vigilant Fire companies, as well as the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District, came to the scene to put out the blaze. All total, four firetrucks and around 40 firefighters were on hand to beat back the flames.
The NCPD’s Arson-Bomb Squad and the Nassau County Fire Marshall are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
In the meantime, the American Red Cross on Long Island said it is providing aid to the displaced families, though could not comment further on the matter, citing privacy concerns. The Red Cross suggested that anybody who knows the affected families personally contribute directly. Great Neck residents are also working on starting up fundraising efforts. The Great Neck Public Schools (GNPS) have made their clothing pantry available to provide clothing, and the school district is currently looking into other ways it can be of service to the family, GNPS Public Information Specialist Collen Bowler said.
The Great Neck Record will update the public on where, when, what and to whom they can contribute to as soon as the information becomes available.
