A fast-moving fire in Ocean Beach drew a swift, multi-agency response, with Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers playing a key role in containing the blaze and preventing further damage in the waterfront community.
The fire broke out in a shed next to a home at 165 Bay Walk, according to police.
Ocean Beach Police Department officers were first to respond and quickly requested assistance as the flames began spreading.
Because of the village’s limited road access, marine units were essential. Officers assigned to Marine Alpha, Juliette, Marine 1 and Marine 3 responded by water, deploying onboard pumps and fire hoses to attack the fire and stop it from reaching nearby homes.
Aviation Section officers also assisted, identifying hot spots from above and guiding responders to areas still at risk of reigniting.
Several Suffolk County police officers were treated for smoke inhalation, though no civilians were injured.
Detectives from the Arson Unit are continuing to investigate the cause, which is believed to be non-criminal.
The incident underscores the critical role of the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau, which patrols hundreds of miles of waterways and responds to emergencies in hard-to-reach coastal areas.
The Marine Patrol Unit enforces boating laws while also providing aid to distressed boaters, working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Although its peak season runs from May through September, a marine unit is always ready for deployment.
The bureau also supports specialized operations, including dive teams, search and rescue missions, and coordination with fire department emergency units during major incidents and events.