Smithtown Fire Department News Articles http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on smithtownfd.org using RSS 2.0 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:43:28 GMT Overnight Bar Fire http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=236 The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a signal 13 (Structural Fire) at 02:32 (2:32am) with the location of 43 East Main Street. The call was quickly upgraded to a signal 13-35 (Working Structural Fire). Upon arrival units were confronted with a store fire in the old Molly Bloom's bar now known as the Artful Dodger. Flames were emanating from the roof of the Artful Dodger and the adjacent hair salon. A search was conducted for any possible residents in or around the building. Units on scene attacked the fire from the ground and with a tower ladder. At 03:00 (3:00pm) visible fire was knocked down (extinguished) and overhaul of the building began to look for fire extension. The fire appeared to be electrical in nature and started above the front doors of the business. Units on scene were Chief's 4-2-30 (Hansen), 4-2-31 (Sisino), 4-2-32 (Murphy)Engines 4-2-2, 4-2-3, 4-2-4, Ladder 4-2-7, Rescue 4-2-9, Ambulance 4-2-61 and equipment from Nesconset, Hauppauge, St. James, Kings Park and Commack. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:53:44 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=236 Unexpected Work http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=235 Yesterday, Smithtown Fire Department Engine 4-2-2 was working a standby at the Kings Park Fire Department's Main House. The Department was getting ready to celebrate the holiday with residents during their annual Christmas parade and 4-2-2 was in Kings Park serving as first due Engine. A signal 13-35 (Working Structural Fire) was toned out at 14:41 (2:41pm) with the location of 5 East Main Street. The block features structures known as Taxpayers (stores with apartments above.) With 4-2-2 as the engine standby they were dispatched as the first apparatus on the scene. There was extensive damage as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:14:58 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=235 Thank You Smithtown http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=234 The Smithtown Fire Department wants to take this opportunity to thank all the residents who came out to view our annual Christmas Parade. A special thank you though is extended to all those who were generous enough to donate food during the Parade. Yesterday the shelves at the Food Pantry were full after we delivered the donations we received. Be assured that your generosity will reach many people in need during this holiday season. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:44:26 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=234 Serious Overnight MVA http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=233 The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a 16-23 (Ambulance requested/Motor Vehicle Accident – Heavy Rescue) at 3:28am with the location of the westbound corner of Routes 347 and 111. Upon arrival units found a vehicle that hit a utility pole with driver side impact. Two occupants in the car were pinned. Units began extrication to remove the victims. The extrication was handled by Rescue 4-2-9 with an assist from Suffolk County Police Emergency Services. The doors and roof were removed and the dashboard moved to facilitate the rescue. The two occupants were taken to the Stony Brook University Medical Center. Conditions are unknown at this time. On scene were Chiefs 4-2-32 (Murphy) and 4-2-33 (Landrigan), Rescue 4-2-9, Engine 4-2-4 and ambulances 4-2-61 and 4-2-65. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 10:59:36 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=233 Smithtown FD Announces Route for the 2011 Christmas Parade http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=166 The Smithtown Fire Department is pleased to announce that the annual Christmas Parade will be held through the streets of Smithtown on Saturday evening, December 10th beginning at 5:00pm. The Parade, which features all of the Department's apparatus decked out in lights and holiday themes, and of course SANTA, will have some new features this year. In addition to a prolonged stop at Redwood Lane near Town Hall at 5:15pm, the Parade will make two additional stops for folks to come out and see our Trucks and Engines up close! The Parade will stop in the Meat Farms parking lot on 347 and Mt. Pleasant at approximately 6:30pm, and at Smithtown High School West at approximately 8:00pm. The Department is requesting that parade viewers bring non-perishable food to the Parade stop locations. The Fire Department is committed this holiday season to helping our less fortunate friends in Town enjoy a truly Merry Christmas. Here is the 2011 Route!! Right on Main St Right on Singer Lane Left on Route 111 Left on Main St Right on Redwood La* Left on Landing Ave. Right on Edgewood Ave. Right on Grill Dr Left on Borrell Ct. Left on Hartsdale St. Left on Glenrich Dr. S. Right on Edgewood Ave. Right on 25A Left on Dogwood Lane Left on Rice Lane Right on Howell Dr. Right on Franklin Dr. Right on 25 Left on Terry Rd. Right on Steven Place Right on Cortland Rd. Right on Dorchester Rd. Right on Town Line Rd Right on Mt. Pleasant Rd. Right on Bow Dr. Left on Rainbow Dr. Left on Mt. Pleasant Rd. Right on Adrienne La. Left on Sandra Drive Right on Stanley Place Right on S. Plaisted Right on Route 347 Right into Meat Farms* (STOP) Left on Mt. Pleasant Rd. Left on Cross St. Left on Sterling La. Left on Sherbrooke Dr. Right on Route 111 Left on Maple St. Right on Lawrence Ave. Left on Elm Ave. Left on Main St. Left at Bull onto Jericho Tpke. Right on Plymouth Blvd. Left on Parnell Dr. Right on Greenwich Rd. Left on Stuyvesant La. Right on Morewood Dr. Left on Charter La. Left on Villa La. Right on Stacey La. Right on Leslie La. Left on Villa La. Right on Stanwich Rd. Left on Morewood Dr. Left on Plymouth Blvd. Right on Central Rd.(HS West)* (STOP) Right on Plymouth Blvd. Right on Old Northport Rd. Left on Alfred Lane Right on Melody La. Right on Meadow Rd Left on Poplar Dr. Right on Hilltop Dr. Left on Dillmont Dr. Left on Meadow Rd. Left on Jericho Tpke. Left on Rt. 25A Right on Summerset Dr. Left on Everit Place Left on Eckernkamp Dr. Right on N. Ingelore Ct. Right on River Heights Dr. Left on Neil Dr. Left on Oakside Dr. Right on 25A Left on Derby Place Left on Sheryl Crescent Right on Winslow La. Left on Hiawatha La. Right on Derby Place Right on 25A Right on Bishops Rd Right On 25A Left on 25 Right on Brooksite Dr. Right on Mark Dr. Left on Larkspur Dr. Left on Cygnet Dr. Right on Brooksite Dr. Left on Brook La. Right on Maple Ave. Right on Rt. 111 Left at Hauppauge FD Right on Route 111 Left on Main St. Left on Elm Ave. Merry Christmas!! Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:02:04 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=166 Ex Chief Vincent Della Croce laid to Rest http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=232 Ex Chief, Ex Commissioner and 69 year Smithtown Fire Department member Vincent Della Croce was laid to rest on Tuesday, November 29th. A Funeral Mass with full Smithtown Fire Department honors was held at St. Patrick's Church with interment at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:29:41 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=232 Ex Chief and Ex Commissioner Vincent Della Croce Passes http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=231 It is with deep regret that we announce that Ex Chief, Ex Commissioner and 69 year Smithtown Fire Department member Vincent Della Croce has answered his last alarm. A Firematic service will be held at the Branch Funeral Home on - Monday, November 28th at 8:00pm with a Funeral Mass scheduled for Tuesday, November 29th at 10:30am at St. Patrick's Church with interment to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:32:50 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=231 Deck the Halls http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=230 The Smithtown Fire Department official got the holiday season underway with the annual day of decoration at the main house as well as stations 1 and 2. The countdown has also begun for the Christmas Parade taking place on December 10th. The new improved route will appear next week. Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:18:36 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=230 Bell Dedication http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=229 On Tuesday, November 22nd, members of the Smithtown Fire Department were on hand at the North Shore-LIJ Monter Cancer Center to dedicate a fire bell on behalf of the Center and the Greater NYC/Long Island Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. The North Shore-LIJ Hospital Corp is a huge supporter of the FCSN. They have built a beautiful cabinet that is prominently displaying the bell in the Lobby of the Cancer Center. The Smithtown FD graciously donated the apparatus bell. Every Firefighter and EMS Paramedic/EMT from anywhere in the region, upon completing treatment, will ceremoniously "ring the bell". Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:31:44 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=229 Smithtown Plays Football in the Annual Turkey Bowl http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=228 The Smithtown Fire Department, after two consecutive wins in the annual Turkey Bowl against the Hauppauge Fire Department went down to defeat today. The annual Thanksgiving morning clash saw Hauppauge beat Smithtown 28-22. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:11:23 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=228 Turkey Fryer Safety http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=227 In recent years, cooking with turkey fryers has become increasingly popular. Turkey fryers are devices, resembling a very large commercial coffee pot, that are filled with oil heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and above. People place turkeys in this hot oil to fry the birds. "These fryers present a safety hazard," Smithtown Fire Department Public Information Officer Jeff Bressler said. "More often than not, people fill the fryers too full and they overflow when the turkey is placed inside." Overflowing oil hits the heating flames below causing the fryer and surrounding items to catch on fire. The hose feeding propane melts and then it allows raw propane to directly feed the fire. "These fires spread quickly and can get out of control before you know it," Bressler said. The Smithtown Fire Department cautions area residents who wish to use turkey fryers because they are extremely dangerous and can cause injury.. Turkey fryer hazards - • Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil from the cooking pot. • Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too may result in an extensive fire. • With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion. • The lid and handles on the sides of the cooking pot get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards. Important safety information - If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, please use the following tips. • Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials. • Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck. • Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. • Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. • Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use. • To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter. • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard. • The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight. • Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help. Underwriters Laboratory does not endorse the use of turkey fryers. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:50:14 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=227 1935 Mack Hook and Ladder Returned to Smithtown http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=226 The Smithtown Fire Department recently acquired its former 1935 Mack Hook and Ladder from the Melville Fire Department. Smithtown sold the apparatus to Melville after it went out of service in the 1950's. Recently Melville obtained one of their former antiques rigs and offered the old hook back to Smithtown for $1.00. The Hook arrived at Smithtown yesterday. The Hook had its ladders and equipment stored. The Hook is heading out for some mechanical repairs before returning for an ongoing restoration. Over the next several years the department will hold a series of fundraisers to enable the hook to be restored to its original condition. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:48:24 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=226 Fire Prevention Day! http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=225 The Smithtown Fire Department held their annual Fire Prevention Day on Sunday, October 16th. The day was filled with demonstrations and fire safety activities for both children and adults. Visitors were able to spray a fire hose, view department apparatus, learn about the ambulances and first aid, view rescue and fire demonstrations and visit the smoke house. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:48:47 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=225 Tank Car Drill http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=224 Smithtown Fire Department Engine 1 and all Probationary Firefighters drilled at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank on Wednesday, October 12. The field training replicated the conditions firefighters would face if a railroad tank car caught fire. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:26:57 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=224 Working House Fire http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=223 The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a signal 13 (Structural Fire) at 0854hrs (8:54am) with the location of 1 Croft Lane and Old Willets Path. The call was quickly upgraded to a signal 13-35 (Working House Fire). A fire emanating from the kitchen area in the left rear of the home quickly spread to other parts of the structure. Three lines were stretched to work the fire. Upon a search, four dogs that lived in the home were overcome by smoke and died. Two exotic birds were also found dead. Exact cause of the fire at this time still remains unknown and is under investigation by the Fire Marshall. On scene were Chiefs 4-2-32 (Murphy), 4-2-33 (Landrigan), Engines 4-2-3, 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5, Ladder 4-2-7, Ambulance 4-2-61, Mutual Aid from Kings Park and Hauppauge on the fire ground, with Nesconset and St. James covering the Main House. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:36:43 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=223 Class A Drill at Yaphank http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=222 The Smithtown Fire Department drilled at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank on Wednesday, October 6. The drill was at the Class A structure which is used to replicate a working residential fire. Three different fire ground scenarios were created to replicate actual working conditions at a house fire. The drill included Engine 4-2-3, Ladder 4-2-7 and Ambulance 4-2-61. All Probationary Firefighters also participated in the drill. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:40:38 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=222 Working Afternoon Garage Fire http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=221 The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a signal 13 (Structural Fire) with the location of 9 Cake Walk Terrace. The call was quickly upgraded to a signal 13-35 (Working Fire). The garage of the residence caught fire from a suspected electrical problem. The fire was quickly brought under control. The fire was confined to the garage but smoke extended throughout the attic of the house. Although their was moderate damage to the garage, there was no interior damage, other then smoke to the residential portion of the house. On scene were Chiefs 4-2-32 (Murphy), 4-2-33 (Landrigan) Engines 4-2-1, 4-2-3, 4-2-4, Rescue 4-2-9 and Ambulance 4-2-61. Also on scene were a St. James Fire Department Engine and a Kings Park Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team. The Hauppauge Fire Department provided mutual aid response to the Smithtown Main House. One firefighter from Smithtown was injured in a fall and taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center for observation. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:51:28 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=221 Serious Morning Rush Hour MVA http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=220 The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a 16-23 (Ambulance Requested, Motor Vehicle Accident, Heavy Rescue) at 8:07hrs (8:07am) with the location of Route 111 and Route 347. Upon arrival units observed a two vehicle accident involving a car and a construction truck that was working on the reconstruction of Route 347. The driver of the car needed heavy rescue extrication and was transported to the Stony Brook University Medical Center. The driver of the truck was also injured and taken by ambulance to Stony Brook. No report on conditions or exact cause of the accident. Responding to the scene were Chiefs 4-2-32 (Murphy) 4-2-33 (Landrigan) Engine 4-2-4, 4-2-2 and 4-2-5, Ambulance 4-2-61 and mutual aid rescue from the Hauppauge Fire Department. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:14:51 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=220 Smithtown Juniors Score High Honors in Southampton Muster http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=219 Members the Smithtown Fire Department Explorer Post 420 did well at the annual Southampton Muster held at Agawam Park on Saturday, September 10. A muster is a firefighter skills competition. Smithtown was pitted again 24 other Junior teams from Departments across Long Island. Smithtown scored victories in Bucket and Efficiency, and second place finishes in Midnight Alarm and Whale Boat Racing. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:30:22 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=219 Smithtown 911 Memorial http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=218 The Smithtown Fire Department was honored to participate in the 10th Anniversary 9-11-01 Memorial Service held at the Smithtown 911 Memorial Park on Friday evening, September 9th. Hundreds of Town residents came to the Park to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on that tragic day. We ask that the Lord look over the souls of the 343 firefighters who perished 10 years ago and to the 33 residents of Smithtown who went to work that day never to return home. Sun, 11 Sep 2011 02:58:39 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=218 Vehicle hits Garage http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=217 The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a 16-23 (ambulance requested, motor vehicle accident, heavy rescue) with the location of 69 Brooksite Drive at 1522 hrs. (3:22pm) on Monday, August 29. Reports from the scene said a car on Brooksite Drive lost control, swerved and hit and entered a homeowners garage. Upon arrival Smithtown units evaluated the situation and found the structural integrity of the building to be in question. The car that struck the building housed a passenger that could self-extract and a driver pinned behind the wheel. The call was upgraded to a technical rescue and the department requested rescue support from Nesconset, Commack and Hauppauge Fire Departments. Under Smithtown command the departments worked together to shore up the structure so a rescue of the occupants could be performed safely. After it was safe to begin extrication the roof was removed from the vehicle and the occupants removed. The passenger was transported by ambulance to the Stony Brook University Medical Center while the driver was airlifted to the same hospital by Suffolk Police helicopter. The condition of the cars occupants is unknown at this time. On scene were Chiefs 4-2-30 (Hansen), 4-2-32 (Murphy), Rescue 4-2-9, Engines 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5, Ladder 4-2-9, Ambulances 4-2-6-1 and 4-2-6-4 along with mutual aid from Hauppauge, Nesconset, Kings Park, St. James and Commack. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:45:58 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=217 Smithtown Fire Department Hurricane Response http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=216 The Smithtown Fire Department declared a department wide standby, which began on Saturday, August 27 at 8:00pm and continued through August 28 at 5:00pm. A full Department standby saw members leave their homes to spend the duration of the hurricane in their respective quarters ready to answer alarms. The Department answered over 60 alarms during the storm. The vast majority of calls were for wires and trees down, transformer fires, property damage and motor vehicle accidents. While some areas of Smithtown received minimal damage, other areas especially to the north were hard hit. The Department received no reports of injuries directly related to the Hurricane. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:11:51 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=216 Smithtown FD Provided Arch for Patrick Luca's Memorial http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=215 The Smithtown Fire Department was honored to receive the request to provide an arch for the funeral of Smithtown resident and New York City Police officer Patrick Luca who died last week during a kayak trip on the Nissequogue River with his son. The Nesconset Fire Department provided a Ladder truck to join Smithtown's 4-2-7 in flying an American flag between the trucks' buckets. The funeral was conducted at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church on East Main Street We offer our deepest condolences to the Luca Family. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:46:01 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=215 Photo's of the Smithtown FD Color Guard at Citi Field http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=214 For the third consecutive year the New York Mets invited the Smithtown Fire Department Color Guard to display the colors for the national anthem before a game at Citi Field. Here is a photo recap from August 6th. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:01:30 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=214 August Department Meeting http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=213 The Smithtown Fire Department held their monthly meeting on Monday, August 8th. Four new members were sworn in as Probationary Firefighters. Chris Galarza, Dominick Sambataro and Daniel Pappas were all assigned to Engine Company 4 while Daniel Kolakowski will serve with Engine Company 5. Chief of Department John Hansen acknowledged the outstanding efforts of members of the Department who marched to secure three top finishes in the East Northport Fireman's Parade which took place of August 3rd. The judged parade, attended by multiple departments saw Smithtown win Best Overall Department, Most Firefighters in Line and Best Overall Juniors. The Smithtown Fire Department Color Guard was invited back to present the colors for the third consecutive year at Citi Field during a Mets game on August 6th. The Mets organization has been impressed with the guard and has made them a yearly fixture before a game each season. The guard was acknowledged for their contributions during the meeting. (More pictures of the color guard will follow.) Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:26:48 GMT http://www.smithtownfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=213