The Mineola Fire Department (MFD) helped save the lives of hundreds of birds and small animals when they responded to a fire at For Birds Only on Jericho Turnpike.
The MFD was alerted to an automatic fire alarm at the For Birds Only store at 176 Jericho Tpke. in Mineola on Thursday, March 3, at 3:25 a.m. Chief Jeff Clark and assistant chief Brian Santosus and Robert Connolly arrived on the scene and began inspecting the exterior of the building. The windows were fogged over and an odor of burning was coming from the building. Firefighters arrived on scene and began entering the building.
Smoke was banking down inside the store and hundreds of animals inside were already beginning to feel the deadly effects of the smoke. Engine 162 arrived on scene and ex-Chief Louis Santosus established a water supply. Truck Company Two Captain Andrew Martone assigned Lt. Spencer Wolf to lead an entry team into the building. As the firefighters made their way to a rear storeroom, flames could be seen licking up the walls toward the ceiling. As the fire was knocked down, Lt. Brian Strauss coordinated the ventilation of the smoke filled structure. Engine 167, under the command of Lt. Sandy Sonera, also responded to the scene to assist in the engine operation.
The rapid fire attack coupled with fast and effective ventilation saved the lives of countless animals. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and the owners were able to remain in business. There were no injuries to the firefighters and damage was kept to a minimum.
—Submitted by the Mineola Fire Department
