Whitestar Avenue [3-12-14]

Just before 9 p.m. on March 12th the Lakeview Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 496 Whitestar Avenue off of Rhodes Lane. Responding units were alerted to the possibility of illegally divided apartments within the basement. Those first to arrive on scene were met with smoke showing from the two story private dwelling. Among those first to arrive was Lakeview Chief of Department Koppel [4100] who immediately transmitted the signal ten [working fire]. With this transmission Rockville Centre was notified for the FAST and was soon on scene with Ladder 449. Also on scene was Ambulance 425A from Lynbrook.

Firefighters found the main body of fire inside of a first floor kitchen on the number three side of the residence. Fire auto exposed itself out of a rear window and began to extend upwards towards the second floor. However, extension was kept to a minimum with at least two hand lines that went into operation. Firefighters on the scene were also credited with pulling a handicapped person from the basement of the home. The victim was said to be conscious and alert upon removal and was taken to an area hospital. Standing by for Lakeview during the operation was a ladder from West Hempstead, an engine from Malverne, and one ambulance. The fire marshal was requested to the scene immediately [signal 25] to begin the investigation process. All fire department units were under the command of Lakeview Chief of Department Koppel [4100].