A fire extensively damaged a New York police precinct building Saturday, displacing officers and leaving the facility unsalvageable.
The incident happened shortly after 10 p.m. at the Nassau County Police Department's 2nd Precinct building, News 12 reports. Six police officers were still inside the building when the fire broke out, and they were treated for smoke inhalation.
Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze, which is believed to have started in a kitchen area in the building. Firefighters needed about a half-hour to extinguish the flames.
“The cause of the fire right now, it’s not suspicious, but it remains undetermined,” said Nassau Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro during a news conference. “Still doing some interview, still talking to police officers in the building at the time.”
Although firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames, the damage to the structure by the fast-moving fire is considered severe enough to make the building a total loss, according to county officials. Records, evidence and weapons stored in the precinct building were saved, however.
"At this time, we have made a preliminary assessment of the damage and we’ve determined that the building is not salvageable,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “We will be expediting the construction of a new precinct building.”
While a new station is being built, the displaced 2nd Precinct police officers will work out of the 8th Precinct building in Bethpage. Police officials assured residents that response times wouldn't be effected.
