In the frigid 8 degree early morning hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2004, the North Massapequa Fire Department Medic vehicle reported to the dispatcher of a smoke condition in the vicinity of Broadway and North Richmond Avenue. At 12:35am the fire department was alerted for the smoke condition. After further investigation, upon arrival Chief Kenneth Blinder confirmed the smoke condition at 750 Broadway, between North Richmond Avenue and North Manhattan Avenue.

After the Chief's assessment he instructed the first Engine to pick up a hydrant for a confirmed smoke condition inside of the Villa Maria restaurant and Nancy's Nails. Engine 662 was first due and laid into the hydrant directly across the street from the fire building. Engine 665 arrived 15 seconds after 662 and hit the hydrant on the south side of the fire building. Both engines were instructed to stretch 2 1/2" hose lines to the building where the fire had been discovered. Stretching of these hose lines was slowed by an extremely dangerous ice condition around the building. The icy conditions made a difficult situation even more dangerous.

By this time, Chief Blinder, had requested mutual aid from Massapequa FD, Bethpage FD, and the South Farmingdale FD.

After both engine's forcible entry teams were able to gain access to the fire building, both hose teams encountered a heavy fire load pushing out of the building. The crew from Ladder 661 was sent directly to the roof of the building to begin vent operations above the fire to assist in the poor visibility condition in the building. Massapequa FD arrived on scene with their Ladder and assisted in ventalation operations while Bethpage FD and South Farmingdale FD assisted in extinguishment and overhaul operations.

The fire damage was contained to the Villa Maria Restaurant and Nancy's Nails with smoke damage to neighboring stores. All units were released from the scene at 3:50am. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire appear to be a faulty heater, but is still being investigated by the Nassau County Fire Marshall's Office.

Units at scene: 6600, 6601, 6602, 661, 662, 664, 665, 667, 668, 669, 6699.
 

 

 

 

Copyright North Massapequa Fire Department 2006