West Waukena Avenue [8-3-13]

On the evening of August 3rd the Oceanside Fire Department was alerted to a reported house fire at 228 West Waukena Avenue between Messick and Fulton Avenues. While responding Oceanside Second Assistant Chief JT Madden [241B] reported smoke showing from Long Beach Road and requested the signal ten [working fire] be transmitted. Oceanside Engine 246 and Ladder 2442 were the first engine and truck companies on the scene. Engine 246 immediately put two lines into operation and upon the arrival of second due Engine 2482 a third line was stretched. East Rockaway and Rockville Centre responded to the scene with a ladder each as Oceanside Ladder 244 was on a standby detail in Valley Stream. Rockville Centre also sent an ambulance to the scene and an engine to standby. Also part of the mutual aid was Baldwin and Island Park. Despite the fire load and heavy smoke condition firefighters were able to make a quick knockdown of the fire. One firefighter was transported from the scene to an area hospital with unknown injuries. The fire was believed to have started in the kitchen area of the home but the investigation was ongoing. All fire department units were under the command of Oceanside Chief of Department Kevin Klein [241].