Wantagh Fire Department

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.

01/30/2026

01/29/2026

On Wednesday January 28, 2026 at 4:28 pm the Wantagh Fire Department received numerous calls reporting a house fire at 49 Downhill Lane in Wantagh. Chief of Department Bill Stevens was already responding to another of 2 additional alarms that were in progress when he redirected to the house fire and transmitted a “signal 10,” working fire at the location with fire visible on the front of the house.
Immediate searches were conducted by Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley, Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello and members from Ladder 1 based on initial reports by a resident of the home that an occupant was unaccounted for and thought to be inside the home. Thankfully, this proved to be incorrect as that occupant was eventually found safe and not at home.
Engine 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello, was first to arrive and secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant. Crew members stretched a hose line and attacked the fire and Engine 3, led by Captain George Conaty stretched an additional hose line. Ladder 1, led by Andrew Nordquist, arrived and set up in front of the house and commenced search, ventilation and overhaul operations. They were augmented by Ladder 621 from the Levittown FD, who was originally called as a F.A.S.T. Truck for a firefighter emergency. Bethpage Ladder 3 was then brought in as the F.A.S.T. Truck.
All visible fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes and members conducted overhaul, checking for hot spots and extension of fire. There were no injuries reported despite treacherous conditions from the recent heavy snow, extremely cold temperatures and icy walkways and roadways created by the water used to extinguish the fire.
Additional Wantagh units on scene included Engines 1 and 7, Squad 1 and Rescues 1, 3 and 5 as well as the Safety Officer. Bethpage, North Bellmore and Massapequa provided an Engine, Ladder Truck and Ambulance on standby at Wantagh Station 2., although they were not there for long as 3 additional alarms came in.
Investigators from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and Nassau County Police Arson Squad were on scene conducting a routine investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire. All units were released from the scene in approximately 75 minutes.
Photos by John Scalesi, Jr.
Kevin Regan, PIO

01/28/2026

The National Weather Service has issued a “Cold Weather Advisory” with extreme cold temperatures making it extremely dangerous for outside activities. We would like to offer the following tips and suggestions to help you deal with the weather:
• Avoid outside travel unless absolutely necessary. Limit yourself to short trips when possible.
• Dress in layers of loose-fitting lightweight clothing which offers good insulation value. Wool, fleece and moisture-wicking clothing are best.
• Cover as much exposed skin as possible to prevent frostbite
• Wear a hat/hood and mittens or gloves to preserve heat. As much as 40% of body heat is lost due to an uncovered head.
• Wear a scarf/face covering to protect your lungs from the extreme cold.
• Change clothing if it becomes wet.

Watch for signs of frostbite: numbness, red/white or blueish-white or graying skin that looks “hard” or
“waxy,” and muscle stiffness or clumsiness. Signs can occur in as little as 30 minutes if
precautions are not taken.
If frostbite occurs:
• Get inside.
• Do NOT rub affected area(s).
• Dry affected body parts and submerse in warm (not hot) water.
• Consult professional medical attention.

Watch for signs of Hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and uncontrollable shivering.
• If Hypothermia occurs:
• Get to a warm/dry environment.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Wrap victim in warm, dry blankets.
• Monitor breathing. If labored, call 911 or get to a hospital.
• If victim is conscious, have them drink warm liquids.
• If in doubt, seek professional medical attention.

Stay hydrated by drinking warm liquids. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and caffeine.
Don’t forget your pets. Make sure dogs and cats are moved inside.

Home Safety:
• Make sure your primary heating system is in good condition and properly maintained.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Many fires in the home occur in winter months due to the use of stoves/ovens to supplement heat.
• Use extreme caution when using electric heaters. Electric cords should be plugged directly into a grounded outlet.
• Make sure outside water faucets are shut off to prevent frozen pipes.
• If you have water pipes that travel through exterior walls to your kitchen/bathroom, consider leaving cabinets open or raising the heat a bit in these areas to prevent freeze-ups.
• Never let a car idle in a garage. Deadly carbon monoxide can build up and possibly enter the home.

Kevin Regan, PIO

01/25/2026

Sincere condolences to the Parke family and our friends from the Levittown Fire Department on the tragic and untimely passing of Firefighter Lindsey Parke.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time.

01/25/2026

Our members are on standby at all Fire Stations and ready to respond if needed, but we would rather not.
PLEASE stay off the roads and use caution when shoveling or using a snowblower.

01/25/2026

Help us help you.
If there’s a fire hydrant near your home please make sure to keep it clear of snow.
Don’t assume someone else will do it. Take turns with your neighbors.
In the event of a a house fire every second counts!

01/22/2026

The National Weather Service is calling for a “dramatically increased” probability of a “significant winter storm” this weekend with the possibility of snow starting Saturday night and lasting through Monday, with the heaviest snowfall on Sunday. Meteorologists are predicting that most of Long Island will get at least 6 or more inches of snow. Temperatures with wind chills throughout the period will be below freezing, especially overnight.
While there is always some unpredictability with weather forecasting, it is always better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best

Before the Storm:
• Food & Water: Stock up on non-perishable food (canned goods, nuts, etc.) and bottled water for at least three days, plus a manual can opener.
• In the event of a Power Outage: Gather flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, phone chargers, and warm blankets.
• Medications: Have enough prescription medications for anyone in your household for a few days.
• Heating: Have safe emergency heat sources (wood, space heater) and fire extinguisher, and test smoke/CO detectors.
• Pets: Don’t leave pets outside for longer than necessary and have extra food, water and medication for them.
• Emergencies: Make a list of emergency numbers for utility companies ready in the event of downed wires, heating system failure, frozen water pipes, or any other storm related emergency.
• Generator Safety: Review all safety tips. NEVER use a generator indoors, in a garage or near the house where exhaust fumes could enter the home.
• Snow removal: Have shovels and ice melt available and ensure that you are physically able to shovel, if not, arrange for someone who can in advance.
• Snowblowers: Read and follow all safety tips before using a snowblowers and be sure you have extra gasoline.
Vehicles:
• Fuel Up: Fill your gas tank before the storm hits.
• Vehicle Check: Inspect wipers, tires, and antifreeze.
• Park as many vehicles as possible in the driveway so plow operators can do their jobs.
During the Storm
• Stay Informed: monitor local TV and radio stations or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov for the latest updates.
• Stay Inside: Avoid unnecessary travel; roads can be dangerous. DO NOT DRIVE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
• Check on Others: Check on elderly neighbors and family members.
• When shoveling, be sure to stay hydrated, stay as dry as you can to prevent hypothermia and take frequent breaks.

Prepare in advance. Don't wait until the last minute!
Kevin Regan, PIO

01/07/2026

It is with deep regret that the Chief’s Office, Board of Fire Commissioners, officers and members of Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Company 1 and the officers and members of Station 3 announce the passing of 65-year member, Ex-Chief and former Commissioner John T. Barrett.

Ex-Chief Barrett will be reposing at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home at 3863 Merrick Road in Seaford on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 2-4 and 7-9 with Fire Department services at 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday January 12, 2026 at 9:30 am at St. William the Abbot R.C. Church, located at 2000 Jackson Avenue Seaford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to the Seaford Historical Society, 3890 Jackson Avenue Seaford, NY 11783.

May he Rest in Peace and may his family find comfort in the love and support of his friends.