A Nassau County legislator sprang into action to help save a neighbor from an early morning house fire in Oyster Bay Saturday.
The fire broke out around 5 a.m. at a home on Kellogg Street. Legislator Donald MacKenzie, of Nassau's 18th District, lives across the street from the home and says he heard screams coming from the property.
The legislator went outside and a saw a man on a first-level roof, screaming for help. Police say MacKenzie grabbed a ladder from his home, placed it against the burning home and, with help from Nassau Police Officer William Massari, he was able to safely help the man down from the roof.
The home became fully engulfed in flames, and 55 firefighters from at least seven fire departments responded to the scene.
Authorities say three people were hospitalized with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Police say the homeowner, a 68-year-old man, suffered second-degree burns. A 58-year-old male tenant suffered smoke inhalation, and an Oyster Bay firefighter suffered minor burns to his knees, arms and forehead.
Investigators have deemed the fire accidental. The cause is not known at this time.