A suspected faulty construction of a fireplace and a fire left burning overnight in that fireplace led to an early morning fire that caused moderate damage to a Hicksville home. The fire on Woodbine Drive North was reported at 8 a.m. on Jan. 31 and brought out five Hicksville units and one from Bethpage. The fire was well under way in the floor beams of the first floor when Assistant Chief Robert Lang arrived. He managed to put out most of the fire with a portable water fire extinguisher before the first engines arrived.

Firefighters found, upon further investigation, that there was a gap between the hearth and the brick wall of the fireplace allowing fire to travel into the floor beams. Over 30 years ago a fire from a faulty fireplace all but gutted this same home. Fire chiefs reported excessive combustible materials were found stacked around the fireplace. They stated that if those items ignited, it would have prevented occupants from safely escaping. The fire would have blocked their escape route.

Assistant Chief Robert Chiz was in command of the 30 firefighters operating at the scene. There were no injuries reported.

Fire officials wish to point out that it is not safe to permit a fire in the fireplace to burn overnight. Harmful fumes - carbon monoxide - seep out of the fireplace and can overcome occupants while they sleep. The air sweeps down the chimney pushing the fumes from the burning material out into the interior of the home.

Firefighters reported the fire hydrant they needed was shoveled out, saving valuable time, but there are many residential hydrants that are still buried by snow. Please remind your neighbors to clear the snow away. The next fire could be on your block.

Hicksville firefighters assisted Syosset firefighters at a house fire on Tacoma Lane on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Engine Company #1 responded under Chief Doucette.