Tragedy struck in Southold this morning after one person died in a house fire on Willow Pond Lane.
According to Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, the call, which may have come from the victim, who may have been an elderly woman alone inside the home, was received at 10:45 a.m.
The victim, who has not yet been identified, Flatley said, was believed to have been on the first floor of the home. It was unclear if the victim may have been elderly and unable to escape, he added.
“There was some very strong smoke,” Flatley said, adding that the home was not badly damaged and it is not immediately clear what the cause of the fire may have been. Flatley said it does not appear to have been suspicious. Both the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office and arson squad are on the way to investigate, he said.
“By this time of year, you hope you’re through with fire season, as people stop using portable heaters,” Flatley said. “We don’t know what generated this.”
At least one firefighter sustained minor injuries at the scene, Flatley said.
Southold, Cutchogue and Greenport Fire Departments responded to the scene.
