EMFD fights a second fire in a three-day period

EMFD radios were alerted at 6:56 p.m. of a house fire on Lincoln Avenue between Devon Street and Village Drive for Engines 1, 2, and Ladders 1, and 2.

Within a minute, all four EMFD Chiefs radioed their response and arrived at 6:59 p.m. First out of the firehouse, Engine 612 radioed their response at 6:59, followed by all other companies form the first alarm assignment.

On scene Chief of Department Philip Fertitta, seeing heavy smoke pouring from the home radioed a Signal 98 (First Pump in connect to a hydrant and stretch in). Taking no chances, less than a minute later, Chief Fertitta transmitted a Signal 10 (Working Fire: upgrade to a General alarm, adding Rescue 5, a RIT team and mutual aid to protect East Meadow from any other incidents).

At the same time Chief Fertitta established East Meadow's Incident Command Post while his three assistant chiefs geared up for the battle.

At 7 p.m., first due ladder 617 arrived on the scene and firefighters went to work.

Next in, Engine 612, readied for water as the crew stretched to a hydrant.

Within minutes, radio transmissions from firefighters inside reported that the fire was contained to the dryer, as addition companies poured onto the block. As firefighters extinguished the fire, and smoke began to lift, it became apparent that firefighters now had the upper hand.

Soon, they were notified by the homeowner that a cat lived in the home and was not accounted for. Firefighters searched every area in every room, and minutes later, a firefighter emerged with the conscious, but frightened, feline for the happy homeowner.

Although fire damage was limited to the dryer, smoke damage was more widespread. One firefighter sustained a knee injury and was transported by Rescue 5 to the hospital.

This fire, was the second working house fire in 3 days for East Meadow's bravest. No doubt a busy week, no doubt all members will be ready for the next alarm.

John J. O'Brien is an active Ex Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department. He is the District Supervisor of the Jericho Fire District and has over 30 years of Dispatch and Supervisory experience.