Kings Park FD-Fire at the KP Deli

February 6, 1994. Fire reported at approximately 1044 hours. This store is in a strip mall and the address is 58 Indian Head Road. Fire extended through the cockloft and through the roof of the deli and into the Winn Drug Store next door. The fire was placed under control by Chief Roy Starke at 1300 hours. Professors Diner and Key Food sustained water damage. There was a partial collapse of the building. Fire started on the stove in the deli. Firefighter Peter Demaio suffered burns to the neck, Firefighter William Nolan Jr suffered a shoulder injury and Firefighter Joseph Revere Jr suffered a back injury. Prior to being the KP Deli, it was Rudys Deli. The Deli is owned by the Gerdes Family and at the time of the fire, they had owned it for 23 years. Mutual aid provided by Commack FD, and Smithtown FD at the scene. Nesconset FD covered Kings Park and St James FD covered Smithtown. Fire reportedly the result of food left cooking on the stove by an employee, who was distracted while helping another customer.
Photos in 2/10/1994 Smithtown News. Smithtown Messenger 2-10-1994.