FIRE DISPLACES GLEN COVE RESIDENTS

News: Fire Displaces Glen Cove Residents

(Long Island, N.Y.) A series of apartments and businesses were damaged from a fire that tore through the busy roadway of Glen Street in Glen Cove. The fire, which broke out overnight, was not considered suspicious. Though it is still under investigation, the cause of the fire is believed to be a pilot light which ignited an item left on a stove.

Nine people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and two firefighters suffered injuries. One was taken in for dehydration and heat exhaustion, and the other suffered burns from debris that fell and burned through his boot. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The fire affected a block-long strip of apartments, six of which were left with significant damage. Four businesses also suffered from the blaze, and reports stated that an estimated fifty people were displaced. The American Red Cross provided immediate assistance by arriving on the scene and helping residents who had been evacuated.

The exact time of the fire is believed to be at roughly twelve-thirty this morning. Firefighters assisted in getting people out of the buildings while police ordered an evacuation. A husband and wife claimed to wake up to the smell of smoke and noticed flames coming from their kitchen. They allegedly suffered from minor burns while attempting to extinguish the fire.

The Glen Cove Fire Department Chief told the press that three of his firefighters happened to be down the block at the time of the incident. In the wake of the fire, the Mayor of Glen Cove announced the opening of City Hall as a temporary shelter for displaced residents. The Glen Cove Fire Department, among Long Island's oldest departments, has been in existence since 1837.

According to their website, the Glen Cove Fire Department was first created by active and concerned citizens who held a meeting at the home of the first fire foreman, who was the ancient equivalent to a chief. The original department consisted of thirty members and an engine that was dubbed "Old Ironsides." It existed for thirty years before being renamed The Pacific Engine Company No. 1 of the Village of Glen Cove.

Steep fines were given to members who broke the traditional rules of the department, such as no smoking at a meeting or spitting on the floors and walls. Other rules prohibited the wearing of hats at a meeting, drunkenness, swearing, and sharing information with nonmembers. Firefighters were not allowed to discuss religion or politics at a meeting, and repeated offenders suffered the consequences of possible expulsion.

In addition, other fines were issued without having a specific rule at mind, and sickness or the funeral of a loved one seemed to be the only way out of a commitment. The Glen Cove Fire Department still operates under the service of volunteers. It currently has a chief with three assistants, individual companies, and elections for those in a position of leadership.

Firefighters at the Glen Cove Fire Department are schooled at the Nassau County Fire Academy in Bethpage. They must participate in drills, training, and theory classes on emergency response. After attending fire school for the first five years, volunteers must take continual training classes held on multiple occasions annually.

Jessica Cappelli

May 20, 2011 3:28 PM Eastern

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