EMFD battles truck fire in freezing conditions

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East Meadow volunteer firefighters of Engines 1, 2, and Ladder 1, were alerted of truck fire in the Home Depot parking lot on Front Street at 6:39 pm on Jan. 5, as the temperature dropped to 13 degrees with a biting wind chill of negative four.

Within minutes, First Asst Chief Phil Fertitta was on scene announcing a "Working Truck Fire," which prepares all responding firefighters of work ahead. Assistant Chief Eric Becker and Chief Joseph Lennon soon arrived on the scene, immediately followed by first due Engine 612, along with Heavy Rescue 616, and Engine 611.

Using the wind at their backs, the crew of Engine 2 knocked down the stubborn vehicle fire fueled by exotic metals such as magnesium that reacted violently when water is applied.

Within 10 minutes, all visible fire had been knocked down. There were no injuries. The vehicle was a total loss.