Several local departments responded to a house fire on Oakford Street in West Hempstead on the evening of Mar. 4, according to a press release.
The call came in at 6:37 p.m. and the Lakeview Fire Department was on the scene in less than five minutes. Lakeview’s fire district includes parts of West Hempstead. Chief Stefan Fisher was in command at the scene.
While the investigation is ongoing, first responders report the fire was caused when debris fell in a propane heater on the back porch and caught fire, the fire then expanded on the porch and the propane tank. The tank then ruptured and exploded, accelerating the fire which then engulfed the homes basement, first and second floors.
There were no residents inside the home upon arrival. The fire was extinguished within an hour and a half.
“It was a well involved fire,” Fisher said. “Everyone did exactly what they’re supposed to do. The teamwork was stellar, and I couldn’t be more proud of my department.”
One resident, a 55-year-old man, suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation due to the fire. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation. None of the first responders suffered from any injuries.
The house was no longer habitable, as Fisher said, “there was heavy fire damage throughout the home.” The Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced residents.
The Malverne Fire Department responded to the call providing FAST support — acting as the Firefighter Assist and Search Team they respond to working fires and assist if the working firefighters become injured, lost or any other emergency.
“When arrived on the scene our team was upgraded to a working truck as they needed additional manpower,” Malverne’s Public Information Officer Dave Gildea said. “Malverne worked well with Lakeview and several other mutual aid departments who assisted in search and rescue throughout the building.”
Trucks from the Rockville Centre, Elmont, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Inwood, Lawrence, and Cedarhurst departments also provided mutual aide at the scene. Nassau County Arson/Bomb Squad detectives and Nassau County fire marshals responded as well.
