A Levitt ranch was heavily damaged in a fire Friday morning, Jan. 11. The alarm originally was received by dispatcher Mike Antonucci for an electrical fire at the side of the home, which was followed by the switchboard lighting up and numerous calls for a house fire.

Wantagh firefighters were responding to the address 2 Spiral Lane, Levittown, when the 8th Precinct police reported to their dispatcher that the house was on fire. Wantagh Safety Officer Bill Stevens arrived shortly thereafter and confirmed that they had a working fire.

Fire units under the command of Chief Johnston arrived to find that a good portion of the home was ablaze. Two hoselines were taken into the structure, extinguishing fire on the first floor and then up the stairs onto the second floor. The fire was brought "Under Control" but unfortunately two family dogs perished in the blaze. The occupant of the home was out shopping and arrived to find firefighters on the scene.

According to Chief Johnston, the fire appeared to have started in or near an electrical box located on the side of the home. He added that the fire met them at the front door and the aggressiveness of the firefighters was instrumental in a quick knockdown. One firefighter, Robert Peters of Engine 8 sustained minor burns to his face and was treated at the scene.

Chief Johnston requested mutual aid and the Levittown Fire Department responded with a ladder truck and the Seaford Fire Department with a rescue.