East Meadow Fire Department volunteers responded to a basement fire on Blaine Avenue on Dec. 9, after Firecom alerted Engines 1, 2, 3 and 4, Ladders 1 and 2, and Rescue 5 at 6:32 p.m.
Within one minute of the alert, Third Assistant Chief John O’Brien Jr. radioed that he was responding, followed shortly by First Assistant Chief Kurt Becker and Second Assistant Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal.
O’Brien was first on the scene and transmitted a Signal 98, reporting smoke at the front door of the residence, as smoke was visible from the right rear of the home. Shortly after, following further size-up, he transmitted a Signal 10, declaring a working fire and requesting a re-alert of the first alarm assignment, along with mutual aid units to the scene and coverage for empty East Meadow Fire Department stations.
As chiefs assumed command and attack positions, first-due Ladder 617 and Engine 612 arrived. Crews from Engine 2 connected to a nearby fire hydrant while Ladder 617 firefighters forced entry into the home to locate the fire and check for occupants.
Firefighters from Heavy Rescue 616, Ladder 619, Engine 614, Engine 611, Engine 613 and Ambulance 615 soon joined the operation. Working in heavy smoke conditions, crews located the fire in the basement kitchen area.
A short time later, firefighters rescued a cat from the residence. The animal survived the incident.
Within approximately 25 minutes, all visible fire had been knocked down. Firefighters continued primary and secondary searches and opened walls and ceilings to extinguish any hidden pockets of fire.
A total of 75 East Meadow Fire Department volunteers responded to the incident, with an additional 20 firefighters called in through mutual aid.
Fire damage was confined to the basement kitchen, though smoke and water damage affected nearby rooms in the home.
The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause of the fire. Nassau County Police were also on scene, along with PSE&G, which shut down power to the residence. The East Meadow Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary provided energy drinks to firefighters, and the town Building Department secured the home.
No injuries were reported.
