Crime & Safety
Cause of Water Mill Mansion Fire Undetermined
Jan. 26 fire on Jordan Drive remains under investigation.
More than two months later, the cause of a is still undetermined, according to an investigation report Southampton Town Chief Fire Marshal Cheryl Kraft signed off on Thursday.
"Due to the severe damage to the building from the fire and overhaul, a fire cause cannot be determined at this time," the report reads. "This investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Southampton Town Police Detective Division."
Nine fire departments were called in to control the blaze at 18 Jordan Drive and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. The estate was listed for $4,675,000 with Gary DePersia of . According to the listing, the house was a 6,800-square-foot 10-bedroom on 1.5 acres. According to the fire marshals' report, the owner is Michael Polacco of Manhattan.
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Police received numerous calls at about 6:47 p.m. on Jan. 26 of a "large unknown type of fire." The exact location was not clear, so both the and , which have bordering jurisdictions, were called in. The fire was located on Jordan Drive, off Water Mill Town Road.
Southampton Chief Rodney "Chip" Pierson and North Sea First Assistant Chief William Rosko arrived at 6:57 p.m., the report states. "They could see fire through the front windows to the interior of the residence and some flames were visible over the top of the roof line."
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While the front of the house was not burning upon the chiefs' arrival, the report states, "When they approached the rear of the structure, they found it fully involved in fire with just wall studs and roof rafters visible in the flames." A small portion of the porch appeared to have already collapsed.'
Within 10 minutes of arrival, the house was "fully involved" in fire, and within 30 to 45 minutes the entire house collapse into the basement, according to the report. "The only portion left standing was the garage located on the southern end of the building." Flying embers lighted the roof of a house to the north.
Firefighters from Hampton Bays, Riverhead, , , East Hampton, Amagansett and Flanders were called in to assist.
