The Plainview Fire Department received a call for a house fire on Brook Path on Tuesday, March 20 at 11:07 p.m. After activating the department, the dispatcher received multiple calls reporting a house fire and notified the responding chiefs. Upon arrival, Engine 9503 found heavy fire in the rear and the corner of a single story 100-by-60 private dwelling.
Firefighters encountered two main problems. First, siding on the neighboring house was melting and burning due to the radiant heat. Second, the primary electrical line to the house was beginning to detach itself from the house, creating a very hazardous condition.
All occupants were confirmed out of the house by 9501, which took command. At this time, a signal 10 was transmitted and the first mutual aid assignment was notified.
Firefighting efforts were extremely hampered due to Colliers’ mansion conditions (meaning that the house was very cluttered with items.) Ladder 953 and Engine 9511 were first due, established a water supply and began normal, standard operating procedures. The crew from 953 began to ladder the building, provided command with overall information, and began roof operations.
During this time, the first line off of Engine 9511 was pulled and placed into the front door with 9503 in charge, while the second line protected exposure two by Engine Company Two. The first due Engine Company and Truck Company were unable to make an aggressive interior attack due to the conditions. Since these conditions were hampering the efforts of the first due Engine Company, 9502 took the third line to the rear and extinguished most of the fire. The second line then began to back of the third line. After removing some debris from the deck, fire was also raging in the basement, which firefighters had extreme difficulty reaching.
After much effort, 9502 and crew gained access to the basement and found two rooms of fire. At this time, the mutual aid companies were put to work to relieve all of the first due companies. 9502 reported that the basement was also cluttered, making firefighting efforts extremely difficult and hazardous.
Multiple departments were at scene to assist in all stages of the fire. Extensive overhaul took a little more than one hour to remove all debris and extinguish multiple hot spots. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated and released at the scene.
More than 100 firefighters from seven departments were called including Bethpage, Hicksville, Farmingdale, Syosset, Jericho, Westbury, and South Farmingdale. The fire was under control at 1 a.m. and all units were released after 2:30 a.m.
