EMFD responds to small basement fire

The fire, in a Merrick Avenue strip mall, was nearly out by the time EMFD got there on Jan. 31.

Courtesy John Scalesi

The East Meadow Fire Department responded to a fire in the basement of stores located in a strip mall on Merrick Avenue, just south of Front Street on the street’s eastern side, on Jan. 31.

Spokesman John O’Brien said the blaze appeared to be electrical in nature, and was nearly extinguished by the time the department arrived. He said Engines 1 and 2 and Ladders 1 and 2 responded, and were met with smoky conditions at the rear basement entrance outside La Bottega.

The fire was nearly out when volunteers spotted it, said O’Brien, and had caught onto nearby computer equipment and a table before the overhead sprinkler was activated.

It was turned over to the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office for investigation, he said.