Huntington Resident Helps Man Escape Fatal Commack House Fire

A Huntington resident helped a man to safety during a fatal house fire in Commack Friday.

Michael Magner, 49, of Huntington, was working nearby when saw that fire which broke out on Deepdale Drive at 1:30 p.m. Magner went inside the home to help Timothy Donolli, 48, evacuate, Suffolk County police announced.  

Timothy's father, Louis Donolli, 78, was killed in the blaze. 

According to police, Timothy was with his father on the second floor of the home when he smelled smoke. Timothy went downstairs to try to extinguish the flames, but was unsuccessful, authorities said.

He then attempted to go back to the second floor to rescue his father, but was unable due to the fire, police said.

Timothy suffered burns from the fire and was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center, Patrick Fazio, Commack fire district commisioner told Patch. Police said his injuries are non life-threatening.

Louis was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician's assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner, police said.

The Commack Fire Department responded to the scene, along with the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as well as the Dix Hills, East Northport and Brentwood Fire Departments. The fire was placed under control by 4 p.m., authorities said.

The fire is being investigated by the Smithtown Fire Marshall and members of the Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad, though police said it does not appear to be suspicious.