Hempstead Turnpike [12-25-20]

Late on the morning of Friday, December 25th, 2020 the Levittown Fire Department was called to a building fire at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Hempstead Turnpike off Gardiners Avenue. As firefighters were on the way they were told that multiple calls were being received reporting the fire and that there may be people trapped / going back into the house of worship. When firefighters arrived on scene, they were met with fire showing through the roof of the church leading to the transmission of a signal ten [working fire]. Multiple hand lines were put into operation which led to the fire being quicky knocked down before it could extend and cause further damage. Among the mutual aid departments on scene were Bethpage, Wantagh, and East Meadow. Standing by for Levittown during the operation was an engine from East Meadow, a ladder from North Bellmore, and an ambulance from Bethpage. Early reports of people trapped proved negative as the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The scene was placed under control within thirty-five minutes and the cause of the fire is under investigation.