On December 9th, at 6:32pm, East Meadow volunteers from Engines 1, 2, 3, 4, Ladders 1, 2, and Rescue 5 were alerted by Firecom to a basement fire on Blaine Avenue.
One minute after the alert, 3rd Asst Chief John O’Brien Jr radioed he was responding, soon followed by 1st Asst Chief Kurt Becker, and 2nd Asst Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal.
First on the scene, Asst Chief O’Brien transmitted a Signal 98 announcing smoke at the front door. (First in Pumper picks up a hydrant and stretches to the residence) as smoke poured from the right rear of the home.
Seconds later, after a closer look he would transmit a Signal 10 (Working Fire: Re-alert the 1st Alarm assignment, adding various mutual aid assistance to the scene, and to cover the empty E.M.F.D. stations.
As Chiefs took their command and attack positions, first due Ladder 617 and Engine 612 arrived on the scene. Quickly, the crew of Engine 2 connected to the fire hydrant, as the crew of Ladder 617 gained entry, to locate the fire and check for any occupants.
They were soon assisted by crews from Heavy Rescue 616, Ladder 619, Engine 614, Engine 611, Engine 613 and Ambulance 615.
Searching through heavy smoke conditions, firefighters soon located the fire in a kitchen area of the basement.
A short time later firefighters also rescued a cat which survived to ordeal.
Within 25 minutes all visible fire had been knocked down as firefighters continued primary and secondary searches, and opening up hidden pockets of fire.
In all, 75 East Meadow volunteers responded to the fire with another 20 called in on the mutual aids.
Fire damage to the home was held to the kitchen area in the basement, with smoke and water damage affecting nearby rooms.
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, E.M.F.D. 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 PHOTO: Kevin Madigan, EMFD Photo JOBrien@EastMeadowFD.Com
