EMFD fights blaze amid heat wave

The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes by some 50 East Meadow firefighters, said East Meadow Fire Department spokesman John O’Brien Sr.

Courtesy John O' brien Sr.

A hot Sunday afternoon on July 19 became even more torrid when a fire erupted in the garage of a Barkley Avenue home, which some 50 East Meadow firefighters fought and extinguished in 10 minutes.

East Meadow Fire Department volunteer John O’Brien Sr. detailed the blaze on the department’s website, at eastmeadowfd.com. He said it was around 1:30 p.m. when firefighters were alerted of the fire, and it was three minutes later when chief James Kane arrived on the scene. The house’s rear patio was ablaze, threatening the attached garage, O’Brien said.

At 1:44 p.m., Engine 612 connected to the nearby hydrant to begin the attack, “as the onslaught of EMFD companies poured onto Barkley Avenue in quick succession,” O’Brien said.  

The fire was held to the area of origin, O’Brien said, with some extension into the garage. A home some 20 feet away also sustained some minor damage to its siding.

Mutual aid was supplied by units from the Levittown, North Bellmore, North Merrick, and Wantagh Fire Departments.

Although there were no injuries, O’Brien said, concern was paramount for over-exerted and exhausted firefighters who battled the fire on a day just shy of 90 degrees. One by one, firefighters stripped off their breathing apparatus and turnouts, and were given fluids and towels to cool their body temperatures. The EMFD Ladies Auxiliary also responded quickly, serving water and energy drinks to exhausted firefighters.  

The cause of the fire was placed in the hands of the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office.