On Oct 5, while the Plainview Fire Department was giving a fire safety demonstration at their annual fire prevention open house, they were alerted for a report of a house fire on Pine Drive in Old Bethpage.

Deputy Chief Mertz was first on the scene and reported heavy smoke coming from the house. All occupants were out and Mertz requested another alarm be sounded.

Engine 9511 was first due and stretched a line to the front door of the house and began an aggressive interior attack on the fire that was located in the basement.

Arriving crews pulled additional hose lines and vented the heat and smoke from the house. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and contained it to the basement. The Bethpage, Farmingdale, Hicksville, South Farmingdale and Melville Fire Departments were called to the scene and to stand by at the firehouse to cover the fire district in case of another alarm.

The Red Cross was also notified to assist the family.

According to the Red Cross, two adults were displaced by the blaze and they provided them with funds for food and clothing, according to Margaret Bullwinkel, Red Cross volunteer. Though offered temporary lodging, the family opted to stay with relatives. Relief totaled $295.

All Red Cross assistance is provided at no cost to those affected, thanks to the generosity of individuals who donate their time or money to the nonprofit. Since January, the Nassau Red Cross has provided $123,000 worth of food, clothing and shelter to Nassau County residents during local disasters--mainly home fires.

To learn how you can help, visit the American Red Cross in Nassau County at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola, online at www.nassauredcross.org or call 747-3500.

-Denise Nash