Several businesses in Sayville were severely damaged, and some destroyed, after a fire tore through a strip of Main Street on Friday afternoon.
Around 5:40 p.m., a blaze started in the former Cafe Joelle location at 25 Main Street and quickly spread to nearby businesses. Cafe Joelle had moved to a larger location over the summer, leaving the old site under renovation for a new venture.
According to Newsday, other businesses affected by the fire included The Crushed Olive, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, Boris’ Barber Shop, Sayville Running Company, and Hammer and Stain.
In a Facebook Live video, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique owner Dominique Maciejka shared that her “store is gone.” She explained that while assisting two customers, she smelled smoke and then heard the fire alarm.
“When we went outside, we saw flames in the Cafe Joelle window, and they were huge,” she said tearfully. “Soon, the flames were two stories high, and it’s gone.”
Here’s a look at what’s left of her shop:
The fire, which lasted about two hours, was eventually contained by the Sayville Fire Department with help from neighboring firehouses. No major injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A strip of buisnesses, including the old Cafe Joelle location, are up in flames along Sayville’s Main St. Firefighters are currently on the scene.
— Greater Long Island 📰 (@Greater_LI) October 25, 2024
🎥: Bunger Sayville pic.twitter.com/cLzGJ3zErd
According to News 12, the Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce is planning a fundraising effort for those affected by the fire.
This was the second blaze to hit a Main Street on Long Island within 12 hours. Early Friday morning, Westhampton Beach saw a fire tear through a three-story building, destroying apartments and three retail stores.
Top: Firefighters containing the blaze along Sayville’s Main Street. (Credit: Linda Karszen/Facebook)
