On Sunday, Sept. 11, at 10:35 a.m., M-L Fire Department Companies Three and Four were called out by Great Neck Vigilant Fire Department dispatchers to 32 Old Farm Lane, in Lake Success. The dispatchers advised 3rd Deputy Chief Kyle Dugger, the first chief responding, that Lake Success police were on the scene and reporting a working house fire. Simultaneously, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department members were conducting a charity car wash for the victims of Hurricane Katrina at Industrial Park on Marcus Avenue and Lakeville Road. Engine 8735 and Rescue 8730 were dispatched from the fund-raising activities. Upon arrival at 10:38 a.m., units found a private dwelling with heavy smoke and fire in a round cupola roof with an extension into an attic that ran the entire width of the house. A signal 10 working fire call was transmitted and additional units, including both ambulances, were called to the scene. Manhasset-Lakeville Company Five, which was out of service helping with the car washing fund raising was pressed back into service and sent to the scene along with a fast team from Company One. Company Two was put on standby to cover the district. Multiple hand lines were stretched off Engine 8735 and Engine 8746. Chief of department Lee Strickland set up a command post with Deputy Chiefs Brian O'Malley and Mike Uttaro joining Deputy Chief Dugger to coordinate the fire fighting activities.

Due to all M-LFD Companies being committed to the scene, mutual aid units from the Great Neck Vigilant, Port Washington, New Hyde Park, Garden City Park and Plandome Fire Departments covered M-LFD stations during the fire. All M-LFD units were released at approximately 1 p.m.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal's office.

Despite all the time and energy required to fight the fire, the volunteers along with numerous family members were able to raise about $3,000 at the car wash for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department made a matching donation of $1,000 for a total of about $4,000.

Company One is located at 35 Bayview Avenue and Company Two at East Community Drive in Manhasset (between Macy's and the Police Department). Company Three is located on Prospect Avenue and Company Four at Northern Boulevard and Jayson Avenue in Great Neck. Company Five is at 78th and Stewart Avenue in New Hyde Park.

If you want to learn more about the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, visit the website at www.mlfd.com.