Commercial Structure Fire
 
By Captain Paul Pumalo
November 7, 2019
 

On November 7th, at 12:34 pm the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was dispatched with a Commercial structure fire. First arriving Chief on scene, 5-24-32 notified dispatch to activate a 13-35 (working fire). First due engine crews were met with a heavy fire load, due to the contents of the building which was an automotive repair shop. An exterior attack was initiated due to the heavy fire load and collapse potential of the building which was over 100 years old. Several car fires also needed to be extinguished. Mutual aid was called in from 7 neighboring departments to help bring the fire under control, and handle any additional alarms dispatched to Ronkonkoma FD. PSEG responded to shut off gas to the building. One patient was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with minor burns. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the town fire marshal, but was believed to be started, from work being done to one of the vehicles inside the garage. Chief of the department, Kevin Murray placed the alarm under control at 14:11 hours. The building had collapsed in the 1/4 corner and has been deemed unsafe and will be demolished according to town officials.

 
Units: Ronkonkoma units: 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 19, 30, 32, 33, 81, 85
 
Mutual Aid: Lakeland FD, Holbrook FD, Sayville Community Ambulance, St. James FD, Nesconset FD, Holtsville FD, Centereach FD