Bellmore, NY - Torrential rain was falling across Bellmore Thursday night when the Bellmore Fire Department and several neighboring volunteer departments worked together to quickly bring a basement fire under control, demonstrating the importance of mutual-aid training and strong fire-ground coordination.

At approximately 9:09 p.m., the Bellmore Fire Department was dispatched to Shore Road for a reported basement fire. At the time, Bellmore firefighters were already responding to a full-department mutual-aid response for a carbon monoxide alarm in North Bellmore.

First Assistant Chief Daniel Donovan directed 2nd Assistant Chief James Constantin, along with Bellmore Engines 602 and 603, to the Shore Road incident. North Bellmore Ladder 658 was also assigned to respond. Chief Donovan remained on Warren Street with Bellmore Heavy Rescue 607 and Ambulance 6012 while crews worked to clear the CO alarm.

Upon arriving at Shore Road, Chief Constantin was advised by Merrick Fire Department Chief 6400 that all occupants had safely evacuated the residence. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke throughout the basement, with fire burning in the ceiling of a mechanical closet.

The crew from first-due Engine 602 immediately attacked the fire using extinguishers, banking down the flames and preventing the fire from spreading upward into the residence. The crew from Engine 603 then stretched Engine 602's attack line and extinguished the remaining fire.

North Bellmore Ladder 658 provided ventilation, while Merrick Fire Department Engine 643 stretched a second hose line as firefighters continued operations inside the home.

Once the CO alarm response was completed, Bellmore Chief Donovan assumed command of the Shore Road scene. Bellmore Heavy Rescue 607 conducted overhaul operations, while Bellmore ambulances 6011 and 6012 evaluated the home's three occupants, who were subsequently released.

Additional mutual-aid resources included Merrick Fire Department Ladder 6412 as an extra working truck, North Bellmore Fire Department 653 as the FAST truck, and Wantagh Engine 698 as an additional engine. North Merrick Fire Department Engine 674 and Seaford Fire Department Ladder 683 remained on standby at Bellmore headquarters, while Bellmore-Merrick EMS provided additional standby coverage.

The coordinated response on August 20, 2026, in Bellmore, Nassau County, resulted in the rapid extinguishment of the basement fire before it could cause more extensive damage or spread further into the home.

The incident highlighted the value of regular training among neighboring fire departments. Effective communications, coordinated engine-company operations and dependable mutual-aid partnerships allowed firefighters to work seamlessly together under challenging conditions, reinforcing why training remains a cornerstone of the volunteer fire service.