At around 0550 hours on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008, M-LFD Companies 1, 2, 3 and the Ambulance Unit were toned out to a “reported house fire with people trapped” at 748 Hunt Lane in the Munsey Park section of Manhasset.  Deputy Chief Uttaro (8705) was the first unit to respond to the alarm, and was advised by GNVFC Operator 15 that he was receiving multiple calls and that NCPD was on the scene confirming a working fire.  With this information, Deputy Chief Uttaro transmitted a Signal 10.

Upon his arrival, Deputy Chief Uttaro immediately requested that a general alarm be toned out to alert all five M-LFD fire companies to respond to the scene.  Deputy Chief Dillon (8701), Engine 8711, Ambulance 8767, and Tower Ladder 8724 were also all on the road within minutes of receiving the alarm.  The Port Washington Fire Department responded as a F.A.S.T. with Rescue 8522 and Assistant Chief McDonough (8501).

Once on scene, half of the crew from Engine 8711 began knocking down the fire, while the other half joined members from Tower Ladder 8724 and entered the house to search for the trapped occupant.  The members quickly located and removed the victim from the first floor kitchen area.  Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to their injuries.

Multiple 1” ¾ hose lines were stretched and used to extinguish the fire, which is believed to have originated in the attached garage.  A lengthy overhaul process took place and hose lines were used to wash down any hot spots.  The fire was placed under control in one hour and twenty four minutes by Manhasset Command. 

Engines 8711 and 8725, Tower Ladder 8724, Ambulance 8767 and three M-LFD Chiefs remained on scene until 1130 hours assisting the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office with their investigation.

During the fire, the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company, Port Washington Fire Department and Roslyn Fire Companies provided stand-by coverage throughout the Manhasset-Lakeville fire district.