Thursday, October 1, 2026
Firefighters battled a house fire on Downhill Lane last Wednesday in frigid conditions, knocking down flames within 20 minutes and confirming that no one was injured in the blaze.
The Wantagh Fire Department received multiple 911 calls around 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 reporting a fire at 49 Downhill Lane, according to a Jan. 30 Facebook post from the department.
Chief of Department Bill Stevens, already responding to two other active alarms, diverted to the scene and quickly transmitted a "Signal 10," confirming a working fire with visible flames at the front of the home.
Initial reports indicated a resident might still be inside the house, prompting urgent searches by Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley, Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello and crews from Ladder 1. Fortunately, the missing occupant was later located safely outside the home.
Engine 2, led by Capt. Mike Fratello, was first on the scene and secured a water source from a nearby hydrant. Crews stretched a hose line and began attacking the fire. Engine 3, under Capt. George Conaty, deployed a second line. Ladder 1, led by Andrew Nordquist, set up in front of the house to conduct search, ventilation and overhaul efforts.
Mutual aid came from Levittown, whose Ladder 621 was initially called as the F.A.S.T. Truck—a dedicated unit for firefighter emergencies. Bethpage Ladder 3 later replaced it in that role. Additional Wantagh units on the scene included Engines 1 and 7, Squad 1, and Rescues 1, 3 and 5, along with the department’s safety officer.
Despite icy walkways and extreme cold made worse by snowmelt and firefighting water, there were no reported injuries. The fire was fully under control in about 20 minutes, and all units were cleared from the scene roughly 75 minutes after arrival.
Two households, including four adults and four children, have registered for emergency assistance through the American Red Cross, which also provided care items at the scene, according to Frederic Klein, regional communications manager. “Any residents impacted by this fire who need help with their recovery and have not already connected with the Red Cross should call 1-877-733-2767 and select Option 1,” Klein wrote in an emailed statement to the Herald.
While the home sustained significant fire damage, the situation could have been far worse, officials said. Nassau County fire marshals and the police arson squad responded to investigate the cause, as is standard procedure.
Bethpage, North Bellmore and Massapequa departments stood by at Wantagh’s Station 2 with backup apparatus—but were soon called to additional alarms that followed during a busy night for area fire crews.
