On May 1st at 9:28 pm, EMFD Volunteers from Engines 1, 2, 3, 4, Ladders 1, 2, and Rescue 5 were alerted to a reported House Fire with possible persons trapped on Vincent Drive.
Within three minutes, Chief Michael Wood, and his Assistant Chiefs Kurt Becker, Jeffrey Rosenthal, and John O’Brien Jr were enroute.
On arrival, Chiefs found smoke pouring from the split level home. The homeowner was at the front door and soon guided out to safety.
A Signal 10 was transmitted (Working Fire: First pumper connects to a hydrant, and mutual aid resources from neighboring towns are called upon to either act as a Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST), or to fill the empty East Meadow fire stations in the event of any other alarms.
Minutes after the Chiefs arrival, Ladder 617, Engine 611, Engine 612, Engine 613, Engine 614, Ladder 619, and Heavy Rescue 616 arrived and began stretching hose lines, checking for any occupants, and throwing ladders.
The fire, traveling through the voids in the walls of the home soon made its way through the roof, but the aggressive attack by first in crews knocked down all visible fire within 20 minutes.
Although the home suffered smoke and water damage, the fire was held to the area of original travel.
In all, 70 East Meadow volunteers battled the fire, with another 25 members from North Bellmore, Levittown, Bellmore, North Merrick, and Bellmore Merrick EMS who covered the Mutual Aid plan.
There were no injuries.
PHOTOS: Kevin Madigan
STORY: John J. O’Brien Sr
