On September28, 2025, at 10:10pm, just as East Meadow volunteers were getting ready for Sunday morning training, pagers and cell phones alerted volunteers to a House on Fire on Merrick Avenue near Prospect Avenue.
One minute after the alert, Chief of Department Michael J. Wood and 2nd Asst Chief Jeffrey A. Rosenthal radioed their response. Three minutes later, Engine 614, Engine 612, and Ladder 617 were on the road, followed by the balance of East Meadow’s first alarm assignment in Engine 611, Ladder 619, Engine 613, Heavy Rescue 616, and Ambulance 615.
Chief Wood arriving on the scene found heavy smoke pouring from the 2 story home, and transmitted a Signal 10 (Working Fire) as Ladder 617, Engine 612, and Engine 614 arrived close behind.
Firefighters working to locate the fire through the heavy smoke found an attic fire that likely started in a kitchen area and traveled upward into the attic.
As Ladder company crews worked to pull the ceilings, Engine crews stretched (2) attack hose lines to get water into the attic.
A request was placed for mutual aid from several neighboring fire departments for scene support, and a Firefighter Assist Search team, as well as other units to cover the emptied East Meadow fire stations.
Within 30 minutes all visible fire had bee knocked down as firefighter continued to open up ceilings and walls to expose hidden pockets of fire.
In all, 70 East Meadow volunteers responded to the fire with another 30 called in on the mutual aids.
Fire damage to the home was held to parts of the 2nd floor and attic, with smoke and water damage throughout.
The Nassau County Fire Marshals were on scene to investigate the fire, along with the Nassau County Police, PSE&G to shut down the power, the American Red Cross to assist the occupants, EMFD Ladies Auxiliary to provide energy drinks to firefighters, and the Building Department to secure to home.
There were no injuries.
