Red Cross helps at least 25 people left homeless from Deer Park fire

The Red Cross says 42 apartments were evacuated and 12 were significantly damaged.

Thema Ponton

Aug 22, 2023, 12:33 AM

Updated 261 days ago

Share:

Dozens of people are homeless following a fire that ripped through an apartment complex in Deer Park.
The fire happened Sunday evening at the Maple Crest Apartments on Baldwin Path. The Deer Park Fire Department and crews from at least nine other departments battled the fire
The flames were so intense that part of the roof collapsed.
Amber, of Deer Park, says she could feel the heat from the flames. When she realized the fire was raging, she went to get her mother to safety and alert her neighbors.
“The building was in smoke, so I just started knocking on people’s doors and making sure they were OK and trying to get people out,” Amber says.
The Red Cross says 42 apartments were evacuated and 12 were significantly damaged.
They say they have been providing emergency assistance to 25 people.
Amber says the fire did not destroy her apartment, but she still is not allowed in the building because of the damage. She says she feels bad for her neighbors, some who lost everything.
“They’re my neighbors, you know, I love these people,” Amber says. “I see them every day, the way they live and I can’t imagine anything happening to them.”
News 12 is told the Red Cross will be back at the complex Tuesday to provide support to any other residents in need.


More from News 12
1:42
Town gives Family Service League 45 days to shut down West Babylon homeless shelter

Town gives Family Service League 45 days to shut down West Babylon homeless shelter

1:16
Chance for showers for next few days with cooler temperatures

Chance for showers for next few days with cooler temperatures

2:57
Pro-Palestinian rally takes place at Stony Brook University campus

Pro-Palestinian rally takes place at Stony Brook University campus

1:22
Police: Queens woman punched 71-year-old man at Esplanade of Woodmere

Police: Queens woman punched 71-year-old man at Esplanade of Woodmere

1:38
Navy officials say Bethpage plume is moving about a foot a day

Navy officials say Bethpage plume is moving about a foot a day

0:22
Prosecutors: Man who dealt drugs that caused Lake Grove woman's death sentenced to 10 years behind bars

Prosecutors: Man who dealt drugs that caused Lake Grove woman's death sentenced to 10 years behind bars

2:55
Police: Walmart truck strikes overpass, causes traffic nightmare on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Walmart truck strikes overpass, causes traffic nightmare on Meadowbrook Parkway

1:49
DA announces indictment of 2 alleged suspects in LI auto theft operation

DA announces indictment of 2 alleged suspects in LI auto theft operation

2:47
Suffolk law enforcement works with Amazon to prevent illegal contraband from getting into county jail

Suffolk law enforcement works with Amazon to prevent illegal contraband from getting into county jail

0:15
20-year-old man accused of breaking into home in Riverhead

20-year-old man accused of breaking into home in Riverhead

2:09
Exclusive look at field and stadium built for Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park

Exclusive look at field and stadium built for Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park

0:26
Riverhead police rescue 5 from boat in Peconic Bay; drone used to track boat

Riverhead police rescue 5 from boat in Peconic Bay; drone used to track boat

1:34
Flip Circus comes to Smith Haven Mall, Walt Whitman Shops

Flip Circus comes to Smith Haven Mall, Walt Whitman Shops

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

1:27
What's Cooking: Uncle Giuseppe's quiche lorraine

What's Cooking: Uncle Giuseppe's quiche lorraine

2:33
Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS sweethearts killed in Washington accident

Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS sweethearts killed in Washington accident

2:27
Huntington Town Board hosts second public hearing on walkable downtown in Melville

Huntington Town Board hosts second public hearing on walkable downtown in Melville

1:38
Sand delivered to Tobay Beach as crews work on opening access to the beach

Sand delivered to Tobay Beach as crews work on opening access to the beach

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

2:23
Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park

Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park