Update: 2 Firefighters Injured at Southampton Temple Fire; Portable Heater Found At Scene: Police

Update: Firefighters rushed to the scene of a fire at the Padgett Temple on North Magee Street in Southampton this morning.

According to Southampton Town Police, a 911 call for help came in at 8:20 a.m. about a building, located at 430 North Magee Street, that was on fire.

Southampton Town Police along with the Southampton Town Fire Marshals, and the Southampton, North Sea, Sag Harbor and Hampton Bays Fire Departments responded to the scene.

The Padgett Temple was found ablaze and the fire departments were able to successfully extinguish the fire, police said.

In the course of fighting the fire two volunteer firefighters suffered injuries, police said. One firefighter fell partially through the floor of the temple and another slipped and fell on the ice, police said.

Southampton Volunteer Ambulance transported them to Southampton Hospital where they were treated and released.

The investigation revealed that a portable heater was in use at the time of the fire and the fire appears electrical in nature, police said.

The investigation is still on-going and detectives ask that anyone with information call the Southampton Town Detectives at 631-702-2230.

SAFETY TIPS

Approximately one-third of all house fires nationwide happen during the cold home-heating months between December and February, police said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), equipment that is intended to add a little extra warmth, such as space heaters, is the leading cause of these fires.

As a safety reminder, officials offered these suggestions:

1. Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL approved. Make sure the unit is equipped with an emergency tipover shut-off feature and heating element guards.

2. Before using a space heater, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.

3. Check to make sure the heater is clean and in good condition. 4. Place heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface — not on carpets, furniture or countertops.

5. Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet from combustible liquids such as fuel, spray cans and paint, as well as flammable items such as draperies, blankets and sofas.

6. Do not overload circuits. Never use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space heater, and make sure the unit is not plugged into the same circuit as other electric appliances.

7. Never leave space heaters unattended. Turn off your space heater and unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed.

8. Replace older space heaters with newer, safer models.