On Sunday, August 4 at 1800 hrs. Hicksville Fire Dispatch received a call from an excited female reporting her house on fire at # 214 Spindle Rd. Hicksville. A general alarm was transmitted. At 1803 hrs. Asst. Chief Wright responded and reported a smoke column in the sky from a distance, and a FAST truck to be started out forthwith. After Hicksville was alerted, Westbury FD was notified of a FAST truck response. Minutes later, upon arrival, a quick size-up confirmed a well-advanced working fire on the 3/4 corner of the occupancy. Chief Wright transmitted Signal 10. First due, engines 932 & 934 were on the way. Chief Joseph DiFronzo arrived on the scene and assumed command.
The fire, initially unnoticed, quickly engulfed the porch and its contents, spreading with alarming speed to the interior and up the exterior of the house to the attic. As the initial hand lines were deployed, the 220-volt house service broke free, posing an additional danger. PSEG was promptly notified, and crews isolated the power lines. A second alarm was transmitted, and more mutual aid was requested. The response teams, including the Westbury truck and East Meadow on the FAST assignment, worked in a highly coordinated manner to contain the fire. Bethpage L4 responded along with Levittown E2. Plainview 950 Engine & Syosset 580 truck filled in at 930’s quarters along with Wantagh/ Levittown VAC. An additional Carle Place Engine went to the scene.
As operations continued at the scene, an additional truck company was requested. Syosset, on standby, was sent in, and N. Bellmore 650 came into 930. In the meantime, additional hose lines advanced through the front door to extinguish the flames. A lengthy overhaul took place at the scene. During operations, 3 Hicksville members suffered minor injuries but were treated at the scene and remained on duty. Nine Hicksville units responded. A signal 12 was transmitted at 18:58 hrs. The County Fire Marshal, a TOB building inspector, and the Red Cross were on the scene. All units were secured at 21:04 hrs.
At 20:41 hours, the department was requested to return to the scene to investigate a hot spot. 9301 & 9302, along with Eng. 932 934 & EMS responded. A brief inspection & wet down was completed. All units were secured at 21:11 hrs.
On Monday, August 5, the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s report revealed the cause of the fire. A Lithium-ion battery left out on charge in the attached porch, which got wet during a sudden rain shower, was determined to be the source of the fire. The battery shorted out, went unnoticed for a period, and erupted in flames, quickly spreading into the structure and the attic area, causing heavy damage throughout. The report underscores the need for caution when using such equipment. Nassau County has recently experienced numerous lithium-ion battery fires, and residents are being cautioned to be extra careful. Purchase only approved equipment that doesn’t overcharge batteries of any size, recharge in a safe, isolated area, don’t build your systems, keep them in a dry area, and do not leave them unattended while on charge. Fire officials fear this equipment will be a severe problem as time passes, as evidenced by what has happened in the city recently. Use extreme caution when handling!
