March 11, 1998 2084 Jericho Turnpike Commack Fire reported just after 0937 hours by an employee of the deli who reported that the back of the building was on fire. Assistant Chief Dan Brandenburger happened to walk into the beverage store to return deposit bottles, when he was alerted to the fire. Brandenburger immediately ordered the owner to call 911 and to evacuate the building. In the meantime, the building owner, opened a boiler room to try and extinguish the fire with a garden hose. He was unsuccessful, left the door open and exited the building.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire throughout the building, which also housed Thrifty Beverage.
Fire was placed under control approximately 2 hours later. The building was a total loss. Commack was assisted at the scene by Kings Park, Smithtown East Northport and Hauppauge. Commack Volunteer Ambulance was also at the scene. Commack FD was called back to the scene at 1630 hours to extinguish hot spots. At that point, the building was demplished as it was unsafe.
Deli was owned by Vito and Lorraine Moles of Commack. The building was owned by Halil and Seniha Sozkesen, also of Commack. The building was a very old barn that was converted many years ago into the deli and beverage center. The Moles owned the deli for the past 2 years.
Photos and article in 3-12-1998 Smithtown News.
Another story appeard in 3-19-1998 Smithtown News.
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