Wantagh Fire Department

03/10/2026

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a call for a leaking propane tank at 9 Raspberry Lane in Levittown. Second Assistant Chief Dolley was in command as members found a full 20-pound propane tank leaking. Members were setting up to conduct a burn-off operation to render the tank safe, while Haz Mat Technicians, Ex-Captains Tom Brandon and John Licata, stopped the leak. Engines 1, 2, and 7, led by Captains Alexis Avolio, Mike Fratello, and Patrick Maher, were on scene for nearly 1 hour, and no injuries were reported. Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office HazMat Team also responded.

Photos by John Richter & Joe Borst
Kevin Regan, PIO

03/07/2026

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday March 8, 2026. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead 1 hour before going to bed. Please also remember to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries, if applicable.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), all smoke detectors (battery and hard-wired) should be replaced 10 years after their manufacture date; regardless of brand. Carbon Monoxide Detectors should be replaced every 5-7 years. Combination Detectors (Smoke/Carbon Monoxide) should be replaced every 5-10 years. Sensors in these units can wear out over time and accumulated dust and grime can make them less effective.

Properly maintaining Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors by keeping them clean and dust free and up-to-date will help keep you and your family safe!

Kevin Regan, PIO

03/06/2026

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Chiefs and many members from the Wantagh Fire Department attended the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce Grand Marshal Reception at the Heritage Club in Bethpage. Chamber President Karen Lofgren and the Board of Officers presented Chief of Department William Stevens, First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann, Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley, and Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello with Grand Marshal sashes in recognition of the entire Department’s selection as Grand Marshal for the 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Wantagh Fire Department is humbled and honored by this selection, and we look forward to stepping off with everyone on Sunday, March 15th!
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/24/2026

Recently we have noticed that some well-intentioned residents have placed garbage cans over the hydrant to keep them from getting covered with snow.
This could be dangerous as responding firefighters may not be able to locate the hydrant if it is covered by a garbage can in an emergency.
If you haven’t already done so, please make sure any fire hydrants near your home are clear of snow at least 3’ in every direction and out to the street.

02/22/2026

So we can provide efficient response in the event of an emergency, and for the safety of our members, we will be on stand-by in the firehouses beginning this afternoon and through the night.

In order to prevent unnecessary calls for service please use extra caution when cooking or using candles so that you don’t accidentally set off smoke alarms. If you do, please call your alarm company and inform them that your alarm was set off in error and that you would like to cancel the Fire Department, PROVIDED THAT THERE WAS NO FIRE. Also, make sure heating, fireplace and dryer vents are free of accumulating snow at all times to prevent deadly Carbon Monoxide from backing up into your home.

Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, and don’t leave pets outside longer than necessary.

You should be in good physical condition before you start to remove snow from your property. If not, consider hiring someone. Always stretch before starting, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. If you experience shortness of breath or chest pains, STOP. If your condition does not improve, call for help.

Be sure to clear all snow from around any hydrants near your home at least 3’ in every direction, including the street. In the event of a fire, Firefighters will be busy hooking up the Fire Engine to a hydrant and stretching hose lines to attack the fire and every second counts, especially if someone is trapped inside. Don’t wait for someone else to do it, work together and make sure the hydrants are accessible.

Kevin Regan, PIO

02/21/2026

A Blizzard Warning has been issued in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Southern Westchester Counties beginning tomorrow, February 22 at 6:00 a.m. until Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. which means you could expect strong winds accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, resulting in reduced visibility. “Fell-like” temperatures will be in the low teens. Wind gusts of up to 55-60 mph, possibly higher, are expected which may result in loss of electric and downed power lines.
Snowfall will begin during the day on Sunday, February 22nd, but the strongest winds and blizzard conditions are expected Sunday afternoon and throughout the day on Monday. Between 15-20 inches of snow is possible with snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour at times.
• Charge cell phones and other electronic devices.
• If you have elderly neighbors, please check on them often and assist whenever possible.
• Remove your cars from the roadway so that the plows can pass easily through your street.
• Avoid travel if possible. ​
• If you must travel: clean off your vehicle before driving, drive slow and leave extra stopping distance between vehicles.
• Practice safe shoveling: dress warmly, stay hydrated, move only small amounts of snow, and take frequent breaks.
• Read and follow all safety guidelines when using a snowblower or generator.

Finally, If you have a hydrant near your home, please assist us and your neighbors by removing the snow at least 3 feet in all directions from around the hydrant. There has been a significant increase in house fires this past winter and there have been several instances where firefighters had to dig out hydrants to connect Fire Engines to an adequate water supply, thereby delaying firefighting efforts.
Don’t assume someone else will do it and help us to help you!

• If you have a FIRE or EMERGENCY call the Wantagh FD at 785-0125 or 911.
• If you experience a power outage call PSE&G LI at 1-800-490-0075
or text “OUT” to 773454 (PSEGLI).
• Monitor local news stations on the radio or TV to get the latest weather forecasts or go to www.weather.gov to get the latest updates from the National Weather Service.
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/18/2026

Official Wantagh Chamber 6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade honoring the Wantagh Fire Department shirts are now available!! Only until March 1st so order now!! 👇👇

https://lifestylessports.chipply.com/WantaghChamberStPatricksDay/

Thank you Lifestyles Sports for the awesome online store!!

02/16/2026

Just before 9:00 pm on Saturday February 14, 2026 the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1662 Cornelius Avenue in Wantagh. Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello was first on scene and transmitted a working fire when he saw the entire side of the house engulfed in flames. He also requested PSEGLI due to electric wires on the ground and arcing. First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann and Chief of Department Bill Stevens arrived moments later and Chief Stevens assumed command.
​Engine 1, led by Captain Andrew Carpentier was first on scene and members went to work stretching a hose line and attacking the fire which traveled up the outside wall and was extending to the 2nd floor. Ladder 2, led by Captain Alexis Avolio, arrived and commenced search and ventilation operations. Engines 2, 3 and Ladder 1 arrived shortly after and crews augmented the first arriving crews, with an additional hose line stretched by Engine 3’s crew, led by Captain George Conaty. All visible fire was knocked down in roughly 10 minutes of arrival and crews continued to open up walls and check for further extension.
​The Bellmore FD responded with a F.A.S.T. Truck for a firefighter emergency while the Seaford, North Bellmore and Bellmore Fire Departments were on standby at Wantagh Station 1 with an Engine, Ladder and Ambulance in the event of any other alarms. Additional Wantagh units on scene included Squad 1, Engine 7 and Rescues 1, 2 and 5 along with the EMS Captain.
​All units were back in service in just over an hour before the scene was turned over to the Nassau County Fire Marshal and Nassau County Police Arson Squad to investigate the cause. There were no injuries reported.
Photos by Anthony Krussmann, LNBN photography and
Kevin Madigan, K2M Photography
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/11/2026

This past weekend was a very busy one for the men and women of the Wantagh Fire Department. While we all were dealing with the extreme cold temperatures, volunteers braved the cold and responded to nearly 25 calls for assistance on Saturday and Sunday alone, including a working fire in Wantagh and mutual aid for a working fire in Amityville and 2 additional working fires in North Bellmore.
​At approximately 2:45 pm on Saturday members responded to a house fire at 3998 Alken Avenue in Seaford. Chief of Department William Stevens was first to arrive and reported a possible fire in the wall in the rear of the house. With the extent of travel through the walls unknown Chief Stevens transmitted a “signal 10,” working fire. Engine 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello was first to arrive and stretched a hose line to attack the fire. Ladder 1, led by Captain Andrew Carpentier assisted in locating the fire and opening the walls before ventilating the home. Due to aggressive operations all visible fire was knocked down in less than 15 minutes while overhaul continued for another 30-40 minutes
Additional Wantagh units at the scene included Engines 1, 3 and 7. Rescues 1, 2, 3 and 4, Squad 1, Rehab Unit and the Safety Officer and Medic. Mutual Aid was provided by the Bethpage and Levittown Fire Departments and the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management responded as well as the Mass Casualty Response Vehicle due to the extreme cold.
There were no injuries reported and a routine investigation was being conducted by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and Nassau County Police Department.
Photos by John Scalesi
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/03/2026

The recent arctic cold has caused area streams, ponds, lakes and even canals to freeze. As temperatures moderate many of these areas will become unsafe so we’d like to share some ice safety tips.
• Never assume that ice is safe enough to walk or play on.
• Keep children and dogs from going onto the ice.
• PLAY IT SAFE AND STAY OFF!
If you fall through the ice there are things you can do to help your chances of survival:
• Try not to panic & gently tread water while calling for help. Hypothermia will set in quickly and moving slowly will help preserve energy.​
• If you can, put your arms on the most solid area of ice – likely the direction from which you came.
• Kick and pull – “Frog kick” and get your body horizontal if possible and roll onto the most solid section of ice you can find, try to spread your weight out evenly rather than concentrating in one area.
If you see someone fall through the ice:
• CALL FOR HELP. DO NOT go out yourself. If they fell through, you would likely fall through as well. Instead, throw a rope, reach out with a long branch, pole, etc. and have the person hold on and possibly pull them to safety.
The Wantagh FD is prepared to respond to ice or water emergencies with personnel specially trained and equipment to handle these types of emergencies.
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

The members of the Wantagh Fire Department join with our friends from the Nassau County Police Department in mourning the tragic and senseless death of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa who was killed by an alleged drunk driver on her way to work this morning.
We offer our prayers and support to her family and Brother and Sister Officers.
May she Rest in Peace.