On Dec. 14 at approximately 10 a.m., the Hicksville Fire Department, under the command of Company #2 Captain Chris Ebert, received a call for smoke in the kitchen of the Plaza Diner, which is located at the intersection of South Oyster Bay and Woodbury Roads.

Unit #932 arrived first and discovered a fire in the kitchen that extended through the ductwork from the front to the back of the building. As a result, Ebert called for backup and additional manpower and mutual aid was provided by the Syosset, Plainview and Bethpage Fire Departments as well as additional engine and tower units from Hicksville.

Upon arrival, Syosset's Tower Ladder found fire in the roof above the kitchen. As the firefighters traced the fire, they dragged burning pieces of kitchen equipment outside.

This is the second such fire at the Plaza Diner in almost 15 years. On Feb. 1, 1992 a fire tore through this building, causing extensive damage and nearly leveling the building.

As a result of last Thursday's blaze, the Plaza Diner will be closed indefinitely throughout the investigation and renovation process. Morning diners were evacuated and there were no injuries.