DeCarlo requested mutual aid response from the neighboring fire departments. Ladders and engines from Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Malverne, Lakeview and Valley Stream fire departments either came to the scene or stood-by at Lynbrook firehouses to cover any additional alarms. Other Lynbrook companies also assisted and backed-up hose lines. Lynbrook’s Medical Company Mets treated the injured firefighter who received an eye injury. He was transported to the hospital by the Lakeview ambulance.

The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes, but firefighters were at the scene for another 90 minutes overhauling the walls and pulling burnt and damaged items from the house.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Arson Squad responded and conducted an investigation after the fire was extinguished. They determined the fire was not suspicious. Due to electrical wiring found in the area of the fire it may have been caused by an electrical problem.

DeCarlo said firefighters did a great job at getting to the fire in the basement, which is one of the most dangerous and most difficult to fight, he said, “because the firefighters have to go down into the basement while the heat, smoke, and fire are rising. The staircase is like a chimney pushing up that heat, smoke, and fire upward.”

The Village of Lynbrook’s Building Department was also on the scene to inspect the fire damage to the basement rafters and first-level flooring.

Story by Ex-Captain Steve Grogan