Three firefighters injured battling Long Island condominium fire

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Three firefighters were injured while battling a condominium fire on Long Island late Christmas night, ABC News 7 reports.

The blaze broke out around 10:20 p.m. at the Hamlet Condominiums on Vista Drive in Jericho. Video footage captured intense flames engulfing the townhouse, which was completely destroyed.

Jericho Fire Department Chief Christopher Foresto described the difficult circumstances. "I did speak with the occupants of the origin building, they were celebrating with their family for the Christmas holiday, so it's a particularly difficult time," he said.

According to Foresto, the fire began at the back of the townhouse where a fireplace was in use. The family had been winding down their holiday celebrations when the fire erupted. "There's never a good time for a fire but people congregating with their families, trying to enjoy a nice day after something like this to happen is obviously devastating," he added.

The fire caused the first floor of the condo to collapse, prompting firefighters to evacuate quickly.

One firefighter was hospitalized with an ankle injury, and another was treated for breathing difficulties. A third firefighter received medical attention at the scene.

NewsCopter 7 captured footage of firefighters returning to the site on Thursday morning after debris from the fire rekindled. In total, three buildings sustained damage from the fire. The Red Cross is assisting seven displaced residents.

Both the Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Arson Bomb Squad are investigating. While the fire is not considered suspicious, the exact cause remains under investigation.

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