Thursday, October 1, 2026
Two house fires in Wantagh and Seaford were among seven that broke out across Nassau County within a 13-hour span, authorities said.
The Wantagh Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1662 Cornelius Ave. just before 9 p.m on Feb. 14. Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello arrived first and reported heavy flames along the side of the home. Downed electrical wires were sparking, prompting a request for PSEG Long Island to respond.
Chief of Department Bill Stevens assumed command shortly after arriving. Firefighters from Engine 1 stretched a hose line and attacked flames that had climbed the exterior wall and were extending to the second floor. Crews from Ladder 2 began search and ventilation operations, while additional engines and a ladder company assisted and stretched a second hose line.
Visible flames were knocked down within about 10 minutes, and firefighters remained on scene opening walls to check for fire spread. Mutual aid crews from Bellmore stood by in case of additional alarms. All units cleared the scene just over an hour later. No injuries were reported.
Earlier that day, at 11:42 a.m., firefighters responded to a house fire on Ray Street in Seaford that displaced two residents. A neighbor carried a woman out of the home before crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
About 40 firefighters brought the Seaford fire under control within 20 minutes.
Investigators from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and Nassau County police arson and bomb squad are working to determine the causes of the fires. Authorities said the incidents remain under investigation.
