Overview
- Authorities identified the victims as Christine Lehmann, 52, and her visiting son, Nicholas Lehmann, 25, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
- The fire broke out around 3:15 p.m. Sunday at 178 Fifty Acre Rd. South in the St. James section of Smithtown.
- The 91-year-old homeowner, Ronald Montagna, was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns.
- Roughly 80 firefighters from eight departments battled heavy flames for about two hours after reports of occupants trapped inside.
- Suffolk County Police arson and homicide detectives are investigating the cause, and tenants said the house operated as a rooming arrangement.