BELLPORT, NY - On Memorial Day, May 29th, at about 3:45 P.M., the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated by Suffolk Fire Rescue Dispatch for a report of smoke in the area of Wood Side Ave. and Horseblock Rd.

Brookhaven Assistant Chiefs Hudson Darrow (5-3-32) responded to the scene along with additional units. On arrival of the first due units, they determined the source of the large column of smoke to be coming from Pallets R’ Us on Woodside Ave.

Upon making entry to the property, it was determined that a large pile of mulch and wood chips were on fire, as well as some trailers. Mutual aid was requested to assist from several agencies for engines as well as water tankers to respond in to the scene to assist with relaying water. Heavy equipment operators were also used to assist with sifting through and spreading the debris so that firefighters could ensure that water was able to reach all hot spots in the large mulch pile.

The department's drone was deployed to give the incident commander and his staff a better view of the scene and determine where resources should be deployed, as well as helping to locate any potential hot spots.  

Firefighters from numerous agencies operated to bring the fires under control. Mutual aid on scene was provided by Bellport, Hagerman, Mastic Beach, North Patchogue, Ridge and Yaphank Fire Departments. Mastic Fire Department stood by for Brookhaven during the alarm to answer any additional alarms. In addition, firefighter rehab and support services were provided by South Country and Shirley Ambulance Companies. 

Firefighters remained on scene until around 6:00 P.M. The incident commander was Assistant Chief Guiseppe Loiacono (5-3-31). No injuries were reported. The scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Fire Marshal.