Police discover possible drug lab while investigating Gerritsen Beach fire

The back of the home was left charred and windows were destroyed.

News 12 Staff

Apr 23, 2021, 9:59 AM

Updated 1,327 days ago

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A possible drug lab was found inside a Gerritsen Beach home during an investigation into a two-alarm fire that injured two people Thursday, officials say.
The fire started at a house on the corner of Knapp Street and Avenue W at around 8 p.m.
Police say large amounts of white powder, metal strainers and several respirator masks were found in the basement.
Citizen app footage shows the fire tearing through the home.
Crews were eventually able to get the fire under control and extinguish it.
The back of the home was left charred and windows were destroyed.
The fire department says two people were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Several neighbors told News 12 they thought the house was vacant, saying they thought they saw for sale or rent signs out front.
A neighbor nearby, Tom Maddaloni, says the alleged drug lab raises some concerns.
"It's very disturbing, you know," Maddaloni says. "You think you know your neighbors. It bothers me. I mean, I've lived here over 20 years and we never had any real problems in the area."
Avenue W has reopened to traffic.
It is not clear if the alleged drug lab caused the fire.