St. James FD-Fatal house fire on 6th Avenue

March 13, 1990 Fire reported at 0045 hours. Police say that 56 year old Barbara Brogan, the owner of the house returned home from work and smelled smoke. Brogan states that she went downstairs to check on 66 year old John Demy, who was renting an apartment in the house. Demy was found unconscious on the floor in the smoke filled apartment. Brogan was unable to move the victim so she went upstairs and evacuated everyone else. Brogan reportedly re-entered the basement apartment with her son David Martin 25, but they were driven out by smoke and flames. Police arrived but were also unable to remove the victim. St. James FD arrived, stretched in and found the deceased. The house sustained heavy damage. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. This was a single story wood frame structure. Fire deemed to be caused by a cigarette as per the Arson Squad. Investigation by Town Fire Marshal and Building Department determine that this was an illegal apartment. Summonses were issued to the property owner.
Story about the summonses is in the 4-5-1990 Smithtown News.