Fire damages home on Cleveland Avenue

East Meadow firefighters battled the flames that threatened to destroy a home on Cleveland Avenue last Saturday evening.

The department was notified about the fire just after 8 p.m. and engines 1 and 2 and ladders 1 and 2 immediately responded to the scene.

Within minutes, Chief John Priest identified smoke and called a signal 10, the announcement for a working fire prompting all East Meadow stations to respond and nearby stations to provide mutual aid.

The fire originated in the basement and filled both levels of the home with blinding smoke, making it difficult for firefighters to navigate.

As attack crews entered the home to extinguish the blaze, reports announced that the fire had spread to the first floor of the home as well. However, within 20 minutes of all units arriving, the fire was completely knocked down and firefighters began looking for potentially hidden flames in a more controlled environment.

The Ladies Auxiliary was on hand in the hot, humid weather to supply weary firefighters with beverages to stave of dehydration. In all, 38 East Meadow volunteers from all seven companies responded to the fire.

Additionally, departments from North Bellmore, Merrick and Levittown responded to the scene and covered empty East Meadow stations.

One firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor injury, but no other injuries were reported as residents were out of the home at the time of the fire.

The fire was contained to two rooms, but the house also sustained heat, smoke and water damage, which is expected to exceed $40,000 in repairs.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.