Fire forces scores to evacuate Crystal House apartments in Long Beach

A fire belching smoke from an apartment in Long Beach Tuesday sent two people to a hospital and displaced dozens of residents from their homes, authorities said.

The Long Beach Fire Department responded to a report of a kitchen fire at 6:19 p.m. Tuesday and encountered heavy smoke on the fourth floor and fire engulfing an apartment, firefighters said. Within minutes, smoke had spread throughout the six-story building at 630 Shore Rd., forcing the evacuation of scores of residents, firefighters said. The building, known as Crystal House, is one block north of the ocean. 

Long Beach Fire Chief Hadrick Ray transmitted a second alarm, summoning a massive fire and police response to the scene, firefighters said.

Five people were treated for smoke inhalation, including two who were sent to a hospital by ambulance, said Joseph F. Miller, the Long Beach fire commissioner. Their conditions were not available.

Long Beach firefighters assisted numerous residents through the smoky halls and stairwells and into the street.

The blaze was brought under control in minutes, but firefighters spent hours ventilating smoke from the building, Miller said.

Nassau and Long Beach fire officials are investigating.

Long Beach firefighters were assisted by first responders from Point Lookout-Lido, Island Park, Oceanside, Inwood, Baldwin, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Rockville Centre, Woodmere and Atlantic Beach. Nassau police and the county Office of Emergency Management responded, as well.

Four other fire companies were relocated to area firehouses to stand by, authorities said.

Check back for updates on this developing story.