2 North Shore firefighters attacked by bees while battling house fire

BAYSIDE -- Two North Shore firefighters were attacked by bees while fighting a fire at a home near Glencoe Place and Lake Drive Friday night, Aug. 17.

It happened around 8 p.m. A 911 call from the home reported that someone was inside the home due to a noise coming from a back room. The person inside the house soon discovered it was actually a heavy fire in the back bedroom. He enclosed the fire and left the house through a window.

When crews arrived, they found a large fire with high heat and began an aggressive attack.

Unfortunately, the fire had already advanced up the outside of the single-family home into the attic space. Crews were able to quickly knock the fire down and bring it under control.

According to fire officials, two firefighters on scene suffered numerous bee stings after irritating a nest around the outside of the home. Both firefighters were treated on the scene for at least 10-15 stings.

Several other firefighters had to be “decontaminated” after numerous bees were found on their equipment and turnout gear. There were no other injuries to emergency personnel.

As of Saturday morning, Aug. 18, the firefighters are expected to be OK.

Authorities say the owner knew about the hives on and around the home but they were already stirred up when crews arrived.

The fire was contained to the bedroom in the back of the house and the attic. Damage is estimated at $200,000 after extensive smoke and water damage.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the North Shore Fire/Rescue and Bayside Police investigators.