Intense video from captures Easter fire that hit Valley Stream businesses
Fire officials say four businesses and several upstairs apartments were impacted, but everyone, including the tenants living above the storefronts, made it out safely.
News 12 received intense video from the Valley Stream Fire Department of a firefighter's point of view fighting the fire inside a barbershop on Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream just before 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Valley Stream Fire Department says the video shows crews opening the ceiling and advancing a hose line.
Fire officials say four businesses and several upstairs apartments were impacted, but everyone, including the tenants living above the storefronts, made it out safely.
The Red Cross is now assisting three families displaced from those apartments, according to the Valley Stream Fire Department.
“We had heavy fire in the rear of the barbershop,” says Chief Anthony Capone. “The impact on the families is definitely heartfelt and I feel that we're all lucky that they weren't home at the time.”
As News 12 reported, investigators believe it was an electrical fire and it started at Mr. D Cut Barber. Officials say flames and smoke spread to the Anaiz Hair & Beauty hair salon and Via Cuma pizzeria, which faced major smoke damage. Other businesses faced damage as well.
Officials say two civilians and one fire chief were treated for smoke inhalation, and no other injuries were reported.
Owner of Via Cuma, Luca Schiano Di Cola is grateful his restaurant just had smoke damage.
“I was freaking out because I was in New Jersey. I was out of town,” he said. “We're trying to figure out how to start again.”
On Monday, most of the windows and doors were boarded up, doors were locked and had hazard signs posted.
"We had to get rid of all the food that was in the refrigerators," says Schiano Di Cola. “It's a little tough because we do have besides the business, we have employees. So, also calling them and telling them that whatever happened, they had to be home for a few days.”
Businesses on the opposite side of the barbershop were spared from flames but still dealing with smoke. They say it's heartbreaking to see damage at the other businesses.
“I was devastated,” says owner of Dercola's Upholstery Richard Dercola. "I know my neighbors and they were all hard‑working people."
