A wind-driven house fire prompted a large emergency response in the Village of East Rockaway on Monday afternoon, drawing multiple fire departments to the scene and keeping crews working for more than three hours.
The East Rockaway Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Waterview Street and Fifth Avenue, where 3rd Assistant Chief Vanessa Torborg arrived within minutes and transmitted a Signal 10 for a working fire at a two-story residence. Officials reported the blaze was already well advanced upon arrival, and a second alarm was quickly requested due to exposure concerns to nearby structures.
Engine 405 was the first unit on scene, followed by Tactical Support 409 and Lynbrook Fire Department Ladder 428. Additional East Rockaway units, including multiple chiefs, engines, ambulances and rescue teams, responded to assist in containing the fire.
Strong winds complicated firefighting efforts, requiring multiple hose lines and the use of a deck gun to combat the flames. Crews also faced challenges due to the home’s location along the water, where access issues and structural concerns added to the difficulty of the operation. Marine 25, a fire boat, was deployed in the nearby canal to reach areas that were otherwise inaccessible from land.
Several neighboring departments provided mutual aid, including Rockville Centre Fire Department, Oceanside Fire Department, Woodmere Fire Department and Valley Stream Fire Department, among others. Additional departments covered the village during the incident and responded to other emergencies, including an elevator call.
Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries were reported. Officials said the cause remains under investigation.
Authorities also notified the Department of Conservation and the Coast Guard due to debris that entered the canal during the incident.
Fire officials praised the coordinated response and support from neighboring departments.
“As chief of the East Rockaway Fire Department, I must commend the hard work, collaboration and professionalism of all firefighters and emergency medical technicians that responded to this difficult emergency,” Chief Matthew Pignataro said.
