Smithtown, NY – On July 26, 2023 at 1143 hours Smithtown Firefighters were alerted for a reported structure fire at 12 Plantation Drive within the Willow Condo Complex off Mt Pleasant Road. Upon arrival of first arriving chief, First Assistant Chief Daniel Dongvort, found an advanced fire through the roof of #11 Plantation Drive, which was extending into the adjacent units. The involved unit was part of a 6 unit attached townhouse building within a multi building complex. The alarm was upgraded to a working fire and a 2nd Alarm was transmitted. First arriving Engine 4-2-4 secured a water source and stretched two 1-3/4 handlines to begin an interior attack and were supplemented by the crew from 2nd arriving Engine 4-2-3. Engine 4-2-3’s chauffer also utilized its master stream to knock down the advancing fire in #12 Plantation Drive. Hauppauge FD Engine 3-8-4 stretched 2 additional 1-3/4 lines to attack the exposures, while Nesconset Ladder 4-4-7 put its bucket to work in roof operations. As crews made an aggressive interior attack to contain the fire, there was a partial collapse of the 2nd Floor in both #11 and #12. Due to the compromised structure and advanced fire an exterior attack was ordered to extinguish the main body of fire. In total 4 hand lines, and 2 master stream operations were utilized. All residents had evacuated the buildings prior to FD arrival, and one member was treated for heat exhaustion on scene. 3rd Assistant Chief Joseph Palazzo was on scene, and all units operated under the command of Chief of Department Timothy Duckham. The fire was brought under control at 1245 hours and members operated on scene until 1420 hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Town of Smithtown Fire Marshall’s office and appears to have originated in the rear of the unit.
Chief Duckham states “Everyday I’m impressed with the dedication of our members, but today I’m especially proud of their actions.
Mutual Aid Agencies on Scene:
Hauppauge, Nesconset, Commack, St. James, Kings Park, Nissequogue, Stonybrook, Central Islip, Lakeland Fire Depts. Commack and Stony Brook Ambulance. Ronkonkoma and
Northport FD – Stand By. Photo by Evan Rolla
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