The Piping Rock Restaurant, a Long Island landmark for over 50 years, was badly damaged in a four-alarm fire that began at approximately 4 a.m. Dec. 8.

The Westbury Fire Department, alerted by Nassau County police officers on routine patrol, arrived on the scene with five engines, a tower ladder, heavy rescue and an ambulance. After assessing the situation, Chief Lawrence Tamney then requested aid from the Hicksville and Carle Place Fire Departments.

The fire was determined to be the heaviest on the third floor, however, due to extensive renovations on the building over the years, firefighters had difficulty breaking through the roof, which was three layers thick in some places. The blaze was brought under control within an hour, and completely out by 8 a.m. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

"This is a tragic thing that has befallen the owners of the Piping Rock," said Village Mayor Ernest Strada. "They had recently invested many thousands of dollars to enhance the appearance of their establishment, and this fire is a real setback."

The structure sustained extreme fire damage to the third floor and roof, which caved in, as well as severe water and smoke damage to the first and second floors. Although the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, the Nassau County Fire Marshal does not consider it suspicious at this time.

"I'm sure I speak for many when I say it is a terrible shame," said Andrea Feinberg on behalf of the Westbury Chamber of Commerce. "It is especially unfortunate that it happened at the height of the holiday season, with so many individuals and organizations planning to have parties there."

According to Jean Renison, head of the Historical Society of Westbury, the Piping Rock, under different ownership, was the site of another fire about 15 years ago. And in the same location, on New Year's Eve 1891, a restaurant called the Old Homestead, burned to the ground. It was replaced by the Lussen's Westbury Hotel in the 1900s, and later on, was Nino's Restaurant, before it became the Piping Rock.