On September 19, 2025, at 11:48pm, East Meadow Fire Communications began receiving multiple calls for a House Fire on Maitland Street with possible occupants trapped.
Just prior the Nassau County Firecom, receiving calls through 911, also alerted EMFD volunteers to the alarm.
Two minutes later, as the hot phones continued to ring, East Meadow Chiefs Kurt Becker, and Asst Chiefs Jeffrey Rosenthal, and John O’Brien Jr radioed their response.
At 11:50, Chief Becker arrived on the scene immediately transmitting a Signal 10. (Working Fire: Initiates a general alarm re-alert, a Rapid Intervention Team, and various Mutual Aid assistance, both to the scene, or to standby by in the emptied fire stations).
With unconfirmed reports of occupants, all Chiefs donned their equipment with breathing apparatus in an attempt to perform any possible rescues. It was soon confirmed that everyone had escaped.
Chief Becker radioed to all responding units that the first floor was fully involved on arrival, and live power lines were down in the street further compromising the safety of East Meadow’s bravest.
First due Engine 612 arrived at 11:52pm laid hose in from a fire hydrant, as crews established the attack lines on the front lawn. Ladder 617 followed in behind Engine 612. Sirens seemingly from all directions drew closer as Engine 611, Engine 614, Ladder 619, Engine 613 and Ambulance 615, were all bearing down on the scene.
With the fire raging out every opening on the first floor and moving into the second, Engine 2 charged their attack hose lines and the firefight was on.
Taking no chances, Chief Becker soon ordered a second alarm bringing in additional resources from neighboring departments.
Rescue 5 established a medical command, triage, and treatment area.
A short time later, after confirming all occupants has escaped and no need for rescue, command transitioned to any exterior attack to reduce the great risk to firefighters as Ladder 617 set up for water from above.
As the firefighters began taking over the flames, they were cautiously re-transitioned to an interior attack.
In all, 55 East Meadow volunteers responded to the alarm, with another 30 firefighters and EMTS from Mutual Aid including the North Bellmore FD, Wantagh FD, North Merrick FD, Uniondale FD, North Merrick FD, Bellmore FD, and Bethpage all provided support.
Damage to the home was extensive throughout. There were no injuries.
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.
STORY: John J. O’Brien Sr PHOTOS: Kevin Madigan, Jay Zinger JOBrien@EastMeadowFD.Com
