The West Sayville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 139 Rollstone Avenue, West Sayville, at approximately 10:15 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011. The fire was discovered by residents who had just returned home from an evening out. Upon arrival Chief Schroeder found the homeowner armed with a fire extinguisher and attempting to locate the family dog, which was still on the second floor of the house (the dog soon exited the building by the front door). Upon entry to the building I found the first floor charged with smoke and heat and fire consuming the interior staircase to the basement. 

Because the interior staircase was compromised, firefighters made forcible entry into the basement through a rear BILCO entrance. Two hose lines were deployed to the rear of the building to attack the basement fire and two additional lines were put to work suppressing fire that had extended onto the first floor. Smoke and heat had also pushed into the second floor area but the fire was contained to the basement and first floor areas.

Interior operations were directed by Assistant Chief Todd Gray (WSFD) and subsequent to ensuring that fire had not extended through the building, the incident was under control at approximately 11:15 pm. Overhaul continued in the residence for an additional 30 minutes. Mutual aid was provided by the Bayport, Bohemia, Sayville, and East Islip Fire Departments, Community Ambulance Company – and resource assistance was rendered by Suffolk County Fire Coordinator 3-0-5. Representatives from the Suffolk County Arson Squad, Town of Islip Fire Marshall’s Office, and LIPA were also called to the scene. It appears that the fire originated in electrical devices in the basement. There were no reported injuries.

Joseph Schroeder
Chief
West Sayville Fire Department