A wild inferno completely destroyed at least four homes on Fire Island in a blaze that broke out just before 1 AM. Eight fire departments on and near Fire Island battled the fires throughout the night and eight more fire departments from various towns joined in. Video from the scene shows houses being completely swallowed by the flames. Crews got the fire under control just after 4:30 AM.

Four houses were completely destroyed and two others were severely damaged, according to Fire Chief Joseph Geiman. All of the six homes are single-family, wood frame; only one was vacant. The people who live in the Ocean Walk home where the blaze started were out for the night.

Up to 20 homes could have been lost, but firefighters managed to keep the flames from spreading further. Six propane containers caused an explosion, which made the containment much harder.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(Photos, NBC; via NBC News)