The Wantagh Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Wantagh Avenue in Levittown at approximately 1350. Safety Officer ex-Captain Dan Brandon was first to arrive and reported fire through the roof and a heavy volume of smoke on the second floor. Chief of Department Ken Kelly transmitted a working fire. Second Assistant Chief Lenny Mathewson and 3rd Assistant Chief Bill Stevens, along with Chief Kelly, arrived and were followed shortly by 1st Assistant Chief Tom Bloomfield. Engine 2, led by Captain Finocchio, stretched a hoseline into the house and attacked flames on the second floor. Crews from Engine 5 and Engine 7, led by Captains Errico and Seier, stretched an additional hoseline to the second floor while Bethpage Engine 5 stretched a third line to the rear in order to protect the staircase. Ladder 1, led by Captain Sparke ,and Ladder 2, led by Captain Mongiello, went to work doing ventilation and conducting searches. They were assisted by Bethpage Ladder 3. Levittown Ladder 6 was the FAST. The fire was declared under control in approximately 25 minutes although units remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes conducting overhaul and cleanup. There was a civilian evaluated at the scene for a minor injury but was RMA. Mutual aid also came from Levittown and North Bellmore, while Seaford and Bellmore provided standby coverage.
– Fire News photos by Paul Mazza, FirstOnScenePhotos.com, Emma Kelly and Harry Loud; story by Kevin Regan, PIO
