An unoccupied North Hills home that was completely engulfed by flames and ultimately destroyed belonged to longtime New York Knicks broadcaster Mike Breen, officials announced on Thursday.
Fire officials arrived at 4 a.m. on Sunday to find the residence, which was empty because of ongoing construction, completely engulfed in flames.
The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Port Washington Atlantic Fire Department, Plandome Fire Department and Roslyn Fire Department all assisted in extinguishing the fire.
New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, who described Breen as “one of [his] best friends in the world,” spoke on Breen’s behalf on the incident during his Wednesday afternoon radio show on ESPN.
Kay said Breen and his wife were in California finishing up their vacation before the NBA season began when they received calls about the house.
“They got a call right before they were getting on a plane that something had happened to the house,” Kay said. “It burned down to the ground. Everything destroyed. No personal memories are left.”
Fire officials said there was damage to the basement and first floor of the three-bedroom home and that the initial indication is that the fire started in the garage. The Nassau Police Arson Bomb Squad detectives and the county fire marshal’s office are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Kay said Breen asked him to speak on his behalf due to the outpouring of support and concern from others while he is attempting to deal with insurance companies “trying to get clothes that he can wear on the air” prior to the NBA preseason starting next week.
“So he just wants everyone to know within the sound of our voice, he considers himself absolutely blessed for the people that have reached out and asked to help,” Kay continued.
Breen, a Fordham University alum, began his tenure as the Knicks play-by-play announcer in 1991, starting on their WFAN radio station and continuing with their TV broadcast on MSG Network.
Breen has also been the voice of the NBA on ABC and ESPN for more than 15 years, calling every league Finals series since 2006.
ESPN, in a statement to the New York Post, said “Mike is a cherished member of the ESPN family and he knows he has our full support through this excruciating circumstance.”
MSG Network said in a statement that they “are so thankful that everyone is safe” and that Breen’s entire family “have all our love and support during this very difficult time.”
