November 19th, 2003
Working Building Fire - Zone 5
M-LFD Companies 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 & Ambulance Unit

On Wednesday, November 19th, at around 2308 hours, Companies 4 and 5 were toned out to 4 Dakota Drive in the Lake Success Quads in Zone 5. Deputy Chief Uttaro (8705) was the first unit on the road, and was advised by Great Neck Vigilant Dispatch that they had received several calls for a boiler room fire. Shortly after, Deputy Chiefs O'Malley (8702), Strickland (8704) and Dugger (8703) also responded.

Upon the arrival of the first units, heavy fire and smoke were coming from a large transformer on the exterior and pushing through the front walls of the empty office building. DC8704 setup the command post and requested that the Ambulance Unit respond to the scene immediately. The Signal 10 was transmitted within two minutes of that, which brought in Rescue 8713 to act as a F.A.S.T. Team, and Company #3 for additional support. Within ten minutes, Company #2 was toned out for Tower Ladder 8724 to respond to the scene.

Upon the arrival of Engine 8758, multiple hose lines were stretched to the front of building, while Tower Ladder 8744 was setup to gain access to the roof. Search, ventilation and hose operations were performed, and the fire was located by the crews on the scene. The fire building was in the process of being rennovated, and was filled with construction supplies.

Ambulance 8767 transported two M-LFD firefighters to NSUH for smoke inhalation, and one NHPFD ambulance was requested for mutual aid to stand-by at the scene. NHPFD units also stood by at Company #5's firehouse, while PWFD units stood by at Company #1's firehouse to handle any other calls within the district. All units were placed on a Signal 13 at around 0245 hours.