On November 19th, 2024, East Meadow volunteers were alerted to a structure fire on Erma Drive.
As members ran into the fire stations, they could easily see the fiery conditions from a distance as thick black smoke filled the afternoon sky.
First on scene was Chief James Walsh, and along with his Asst Chiefs Kurt Becker, and Jeffrey Rosenthal, soon followed by all East Meadow equipment of the initial alert
Chief Walsh transmitted a Signal 98 (First Pumper in connects to a fire hydrant and stretches two attack hose lines)
Moments later “First Due” Engine 611 secured a hydrant supply and the attack was on.
The fire, violent in nature do to its hazardous contents, was extending to another small structure as the attack commenced.
With firefighters flanking the inferno, the fire was eventually overtaken as firefighters kept a safe distance in the event of any chemicals and / or toxicity in the smoke and run off.
The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes with no further structures involved, as Nassau County Haz Mat sifted for a cause eventually removing (2) propane tanks from the scene.
There were no injuries.
STORY: John J. O’Brien Sr
