Members of the North Massapequa Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Richard A. Erickson, responded to a working house fire at 269 North Poplar St. on the afternoon of Nov. 13.

Upon arrival, Erickson immediately reported a working fire to responding units and began calling for mutual aid. "The structure was fully involved and the wind increased the difficulty of the attack," Erickson said. "There was one occupant of the home who was removed by the neighbors prior to the arrival of the fire department."

Erickson identified the neighbors as Daniel Rio and Michael Butler. "The quick actions of these neighbors may have saved the life of the homeowner," said Erickson. "He was taken to the hospital in critical condition."

More than 40 members of the department and seven pieces of apparatus responded to the scene, with an additional 35 members being called in for support from various mutual aid departments. Among the departments called in to assist the North Massapequa Fire Department were the Wantagh Fire Department for an Engine, the Massapequa and South Farmingdale Fire Departments for Ladder Trucks, and the Farmingdale and Levittown Fire Departments for ambulances.

"I would like to thank our surrounding fire departments for their support," Erickson said. "It's a comfort to know they are always there to help us when we need them." Despite the magnitude of the fire, the North Massapequa Fire Department was able to bring the blaze under control in 30 minutes.

"It's a tribute to the members of this department," said Erickson. "We are constantly training and stand ready 365 days a year. This fire was a challenge, but once again the firefighters showed they were up for the task."