Multiple Structures on Fire on Forest Avenue
 
By Ex-Chief Michael Wichtendahl
June 3, 2023
 

At 1:13am on Saturday June 3, 2023 the Nesconset Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the vicinity of Browns Road and Lindell Avenue. First arriving units encountered burning structures at a property on Forest Ave. The Department responded to this location for a large brush fire earlier this week.

Engine 4-4-1 and Ronkonkoma Engine 5-24-12 arrived on scene, established a positive water source and stretched multiple hand lines. Lakeland Tower Ladder 3-13-3 arrived shortly after and set up for fire suppression fed by Engine 4-4-2. Heavy Rescue 4-4-9, First Responder 4-4-80, and Ambulance 4-4-6A were also on scene.

Mutual aid was also provided by the Farmingville, Centereach, Hauppauge, Central Islip, St. James, Nissequogue, and Smithtown Fire Departments.

This incident was complicated by multiple structures burning on a property overgrown with tall bamboo and heavy brush, and with clutter in and around the structures and throughout the property. The Smithtown Highway Department was requested to the scene to clear the brush so firefighters could better access the property. Due to the unsafe nature of the damaged structures they were torn down while the heavy equipment was on site.

All units operated under the command of Chief Frank Ragona. Units cleared from the scene just after 9:00am. At 1:00pm units returned to the scene to address smoldering debris.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad. Anyone with information can should contact the SCPD at 631-852-6150.