On New Year's Day at 11:59 a.m., the Mineola Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in the second floor apartment of 158 Jefferson Avenue. The members of Engine Company One rapidly connected to a fire hydrant and stretched a hoseline to the rear entrance of the house where the staircase was located. Firefighter Tommy Clingo advanced the nozzle into the kitchen and extinguished the fire, which had originated in a garbage can. Firefighters Rob Connolly and Steve Hopkins searched the apartment with the assistance of the thermal imaging camera, for any fire extension. The fire was contained to the kitchen and most of the damage to the house was caused from smoke. Make sure that when you discard cigarettes, matches, etc, that they are fully extinguished before you place them in a garbage can to prevent a fire such as this one.

One the same day, the firefighters were again dispatched to a house fire located at 167 Jackson Avenue at 11:39 p.m. When Chief Mike DeStefano arrived at the scene he reported smoke coming from the basement, a signal "98". The Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Garden City Park F.A.S. Team and Williston Park Fire Department were dispatched to the scene for Mutual Aid. Firefighter Brian Santosus and other members of the engine company, assisted in stretching a hoseline to the basement. Members of the Truck Company searched the house for any possible victims and any fire extension to the upper floors of the house. Clothes that were accidentally placed on the boiler caused the fire. The fire was quickly brought under control preventing any serious damage to the house. Be sure to keep any items that can catch fire away from your boiler to prevent this from occurring.

On Jan. 2 at 12:48 p.m., the Mineola firefighters responded to a car fire at the intersection of Willis and Cleveland. A Dry Chemical extinguisher was used to prevent the car parked in front of the burning car from igniting. Engine Company One pulled a hoseline to the Jeep Cherokee that was burning and covered it with water. The hood was popped open using a hydra force wedge giving complete access to the burning areas of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished swiftly due to the rapid response of the firefighters.

The Chiefs and members of the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department wish you a happy and healthy New Year and remind you to take caution to prevent any future incidents from occurring at your home. Anyone interested in joining the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department, please call the Chiefs office at 747-5860.