An 84-year-old Levittown woman, Idessa Powell of Silo Lane died early Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3, when a fire started in her home. Her two children, a daughter, Idessa and son, Thomas escaped the flames but suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Nassau County Medical Center.

The alarm, transmitted at 12:07 p.m., brought units of the Wantagh Fire Department to the scene. Neighbors were attempting to get to the trapped woman by using a garden hose to hold back the flames; 2nd Assistant Chief John Gillen, the first to arrive, also attempted to gain entry when notified by neighbors that the elderly woman was within. Heavy black smoke flowed from the doors and windows of the home as fire showed from the rear of the house thwarting all efforts.

As firefighters arrived, they too attempted to gain entry from all windows and doors. Water was soon upon the flames and an aggressive interior search began. The Levittown Fire Department was requested on mutual aid by 1st Assistant Chief Jim Johnston for an additional ladder truck to assist in the search. An additional ambulance was also requested of Levittown, as was an ambulance from North Bellmore.

Firefighters were hindered by a heavy storage of papers, magazines and books, along with an abundance of home furnishings. This combined with the fact that fire was rolling above their heads and at times behind them hindered their efforts. In all, three hoselines were used to quench the flames. The woman was found shortly thereafter.

According to 1st Assistant Chief Jim Johnston, the fire appeared to have started in the vicinity of a fireplace. The Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office along with 8th Squad detectives and the Nassau Police Arson & Bomb Squad investigated the fire.

An additional engine was requested from Levittown to relocate into Wantagh's Station 2 and the Seaford Fire Department provided an engine to relocate into headquarters. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries from lacerations and burns but none were hospitalized.