A Dix Hills businesswoman was killed early Wednesday morning in a housefire, Suffolk County police reported.
Tanya Bathija, 32, the resident of a cottage at 1365 Carlls Straight Path, and daughter of the homeowners, was identified as the victim.
David Kennedy, executive director of the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, said that of Bathija “She certainly stood out as someone who was energetic and enthusiastic. She had a great personality. It’s all very tragic, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
On Facebook, a friend posted, “If there are people that come into your life and leave a lasting impression, Tanya was one of them. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious and always had a way of making you feel alive. We can only hope her fighting spirit lives on in all of the people that she touched. Rest easy, sweet girl. You will surely be missed.”
Police said that they received a call about the fire at 2:53 a.m. Two patrol officers and a sergeant attempted to enter the cottage, they said, but were repelled by the blaze.
The officers were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Dix Hills, Deer Park and Commack Fire Departments responded.
Police said that a preliminary investigation has determined the cause of the fire to be non-criminal in nature.