Cottage on Shinnecock Hills Property Destroyed in County Road 39 Blaze on Tuesday

A structure fire at 1435 County Road 39 in Tuckahoe closed the road in both directions from Tuckahoe Road to Shrubland Road on Tuesday afternoon, December 20. The blaze destroyed a small cottage on the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club property.

Southampton Town Police reported the road closure at 1:06 p.m. on Tuesday. It was precipitated by the need to run large diameter hose across the highway from a water source, Southampton Fire Department officials said.

The closure tied up commuter traffic exiting the village Tuesday evening, leaving some motorists stuck in traffic for long stretches.

The house is located in a wooded area, which can create a danger should flying embers or debris smolder and ignite nearby trees. The Weather Channel listed winds Tuesday at 10 to 15 mph. A first look of the structure showed flames licking across the roof line and coming out of a second-story window.

According to town records, the property, with a single-family house, is located adjacent to the course in a cul du sac off St. Andrews Road. It was sold to 1435 County Road LLC, which lists the golf course as its contract in 2012 for $2.71 million.

There is a current rental permit for the property on file, according to town records. The resident was out of town at the time of the fire, which was called in at 12:50 p.m. By 2:20 p.m., volunteers were mopping up and extinguishing spot fires.

The house was a total loss, according to the Southampton Fire Department Public Information Officer Chris Brenner.

In addition to the Southampton Fire Department, the Hampton Bays Fire Department assisted at the scene, with North Sea firefighters assisting with stand by and fire police. Southampton Volunteer Ambulance and Southampton Village Ambulance were on the scene as well.

County Road 39 opened up for traffic just after 3:30 p.m.