On May 5th at 12:13 pm, radios sounded announcing a House Fire on Polo Lane.
Within one minute, Chief of Department James Walsh, and Asst Chiefs Michael Wood and Jeffrey Rosenthal were enroute.
At 12:17, Chief Walsh arrived on the scene of a home with smoke pouring from its eaves. He quickly radioed a Signal 10 (Working in Fire) while establishing East Meadow’s Incident Command Post, as the sound of sirens from several East Meadow companies drew closer.
Just 5 minutes after the initial alert, first due Engine 614 had arrived on the scene, dropped their hose lines to the home, and connected to the fire hydrant across the street.
They were immediately followed up by Ladder 619 as the Engine 611, Engine 612, Ladder, 617, Engine 613, and Heavy Rescue 616 followed in quick succession.
With the help of all incoming fire companies, the firefighters moved in for the attack.
Within 20 minutes of arrival the fire had been completely knocked down as firefighters continued to check for any hidden pockets of fire.
Fire damage was held to a small area of the 1st and 2nd floors, with water and smoke damage suffered on the first floor.
An EMS medical station was established by crews of Rescue 5 and the EMS squad manning ambulances 615, 6144, and 6115.
In all, 76 East Meadow volunteers responded to the fire, with additional mutual aid resources from the Westbury FD at the scene, and Hicksville FD, North Bellmore FD, and North Merrick FD, who reported to the empty East Meadow fire stations for standby in the event of any other emergencies.
The cause of the fire was placed into the hands of the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The quick and massive response from East Meadow volunteers afforded Chiefs, and members the opportunity to gain quick control on the fire.
There were no injuries.
STORY: John J. O’Brien Sr PHOTOs: Jay Zinger
