Hempstead Turnpike [1-1-13]
The first call of the New Year for the East Meadow Fire Department was a reported building fire across from the County Medical Center around 20:30 hours. Nassau County Police who received multiple calls reporting smoke in the area and from a building confirmed smoke in the building upon their arrival. When East Meadow’s second assistant chief [6102] arrived on scene he immediately transmitted a signal ninety-eight [smoke showing] for the row of stores. Not even minutes went by after this transmission that a signal ten [working fire] was transmitted. North Bellmore was requested to the scene as the FAST team and responded with Ladder 658. Upon their arrival, North Bellmore was put to work and North Merrick Ladder 673 replaced them as the FAST team.
Firefighters on scene were faced with freezing temperatures, a strong wind, and burning primary wires that were hindering operations. At various times throughout the operation, fire was visible through the roof of the three stores. The combination of the wind, icing, and fire load eventually led to the decision to pull all firefighters off of the roof. Due to the amount of fire and the need to replace exhausted firefighters, North Merrick Truck Company was put to work shortly after their arrival. When North Merrick was put to work, command requested two additional truck companies to the scene. Levittown Ladder 621 and Bellmore Ladder 606 responded to the scene. Wantagh who was originally requested to standby for East Meadow instead responded to the scene and became the next FAST team. The fire was placed under control about ninety minutes into the operation. Four lines were stretched, with at least two in operation, to fight the fire. East Meadow Engine 612 was the first engine company on scene while East Meadow Ladder 617 was the first ladder. Standing by for East Meadow was a Westbury Ladder, Hicksville Engine, and a Wantagh Ambulance. North Bellmore also sent Engine 655 to the scene to assist.
Video from the scene: https://youtu.be/u5oiLV2qX68
Read MoreFirefighters on scene were faced with freezing temperatures, a strong wind, and burning primary wires that were hindering operations. At various times throughout the operation, fire was visible through the roof of the three stores. The combination of the wind, icing, and fire load eventually led to the decision to pull all firefighters off of the roof. Due to the amount of fire and the need to replace exhausted firefighters, North Merrick Truck Company was put to work shortly after their arrival. When North Merrick was put to work, command requested two additional truck companies to the scene. Levittown Ladder 621 and Bellmore Ladder 606 responded to the scene. Wantagh who was originally requested to standby for East Meadow instead responded to the scene and became the next FAST team. The fire was placed under control about ninety minutes into the operation. Four lines were stretched, with at least two in operation, to fight the fire. East Meadow Engine 612 was the first engine company on scene while East Meadow Ladder 617 was the first ladder. Standing by for East Meadow was a Westbury Ladder, Hicksville Engine, and a Wantagh Ambulance. North Bellmore also sent Engine 655 to the scene to assist.
Video from the scene: https://youtu.be/u5oiLV2qX68
