Man dies in Farmingville house fire; owner could face violations

A raging fire killed a man in a Farmingville home, and that home’s owner may now be facing safety violations.
The flames broke out around 11:30 p.m. Sunday inside the Elder Avenue house. Neighbors say they saw flames shooting dozens of feet into the air.
Police say one family on the upper level of the home was able to get out, but a man on the lower level died. His name has not been released.
The Town of Brookhaven tells News 12 it will be issuing multiple violations to the homeowner, including one for an illegal apartment.
Public records show Eugene Smith, of Yaphank, owns the property. When contacted by News 12 via phone, he said he was sorry about the loss of life but would not comment on the legality of the apartment.
There was no word on what caused the fire.
By Monday afternoon, officials deemed the home was unsafe and ordered a portion of it taken down.
An attorney for the homeowner tells News 12 he has no knowledge of an illegal apartment and that they'll fight in court any violations issued.