The Suffolk County Police Arson Section is investigating a house fire in Lake Ronkonkoma where officers evacuated a couple from the burning home this afternoon.  

Fourth Precinct police officers Michael Milo and Jeffrey Harkins responded to a call of a fire at 3 Willow Place in Lake Ronkonkoma at 3:18 p.m. When they arrived, the front of the house was engulfed in flames. The officers entered through the front door where they encountered Maryann Showalter, 55, who was unaware of the fire. Showalter told officers that Alfred Ianacci, 54, was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom.

Officer Milo went to the second floor, alerting Ianacci of the situation. Both officers then assisted the couple and a dog outside to safety.   Officers Milo and Harkins were transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center where they were treated for smoke inhalation.  

Firefighters from the Ronkonkoma Fire Department, assisted by Nesconset, Farmingville, Centereach, Lakeland and Holbrook fire departments extinguished the blaze.  

The investigation determined the fire to be accidental. It originated in an area in front of the home where smoking materials were discarded.