FILE
Suffolk County, NY (77WABC)-Suffolk County Police say five people died when they were unable to escape flames at a multi unit dwelling at 46 East 2nd Street in Riverhead, NY.
A man walking his dog spotted flames calling 9-1-1 around 10:30 last night.
Flames were shooting through the roof of the wood frame three story structure when firefighters arrived. Firefighters from eight departments responded. Rescues were attempted, but the stairwell to the 3rd story collapsed trapping residents on the third floor.
Five other residents made it out safely.
One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to a local hospital.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Investigators remain on scene this morning.
