East Rockaway, NY - In the afternoon of august 17 2026 in Nassau county, The East Rockaway Fire Department was dispatched for Auto-Mutual Aid to the Oceanside Fire Department following reports of a natural gas odor coming from a commercial establishment on Lawson Boulevard.

Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Bristol, along with Assistant Chief 221A of the Island Park Volunteer Fire Department, investigated the scene and discovered an odor of burning inside the occupancy. Firefighters also observed an active water leak or possible sprinkler activation originating from an adjoining business.

Engine 405 arrived shortly afterward and forced entry into the adjoining occupancy. Inside, firefighters discovered a significant section of burned and charred ceiling in a vacant bathroom. The fire had been contained by the building’s sprinkler system, preventing further spread.

Assistant Chief 221B, Ladder 403, Engine 224, and Engine 249 subsequently arrived to assist. Crews stretched a hose line into the occupancy and conducted extensive overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and that no hidden hot spots remained.

After the scene was secured, it was turned over to the Nassau County Office of the Fire Marshal for further investigation into the cause and circumstances of the fire.