The Wantagh Fire Department was alerted for an investigation of smoke in the area at 4083 Meadow Lane in Seaford last week, with personnel responding in approximately five minutes. As they approached the scene from the front, there was minimal smoke observed. However, upon closer examination, they observed a heavy volume of smoke in the house, prompting the transmission of a “signal 10” (working fire). Chief Joseph Gross initially transmitted a “signal 98” (general alarm), but that was quickly escalated due to the fact that the fire, which was concealed within the walls, had extended to all four floors of the home.
Third Assistant Chief Leonard Mathewson forced a side door and entered the house to search for occupants. Upon entering the house, he located and removed a small dog. Mathewson continued to search in attempt to locate the origin of the fire. Engine 4, under the command of Lt. Marc Besthoff, hooked up to a hydrant in front of the house and stretched an initial attack line, entering via the front door. Eventually, the fire was found to be in the plumbing wall between the kitchen and den, which allowed the fire to travel from the basement to the second floor. Engine 8, which was acting as Engine 2, and led by Ex-Chief George Krant, stretched a second line. Ladder one, led by Ex-Chief Steve Dunn, also assisted in locating the fire, ventilation and overhaul. Engines 3 and 5, Squad 1 and Rescues 1, 2 and Fire Police were also on the scene. Levittown FD Ladder 626 was on scene, working as a second truck company, and Bethpage Ladder 3 was the fast truck. Bethpage Engine 5 responded to provide relief personnel. Massapequa, North Bellmore and Levittown Fire Departments provided an engine, truck company and ambulance for standby coverage at Wantagh Station #2.
The fire brought approximately 55 firefighters and medics to the scene and was under control in approximately 45 minutes. There were no injuries reported to any FD personnel, though the dog was taken to the vet for minor smoke inhalation. He is reported to be in good condition at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshall’s Office and Nassau County PD Arson/Bomb Squad.
—Information by Kevin Regan
