Burned-Out HVAC Motor Triggers Commercial Structure Fire Response in Bohemia

Bohemia, NY - An automatic commercial alarm was upgraded to a working structure fire assignment Thursday afternoon after smoke began filling an occupancy, prompting a multi-agency response to secure an overheated rooftop mechanical unit in south-central Suffolk County.

On September 10, the Bohemia Fire Department was initially dispatched to investigate an activated commercial fire alarm. Moments after the initial alert, Suffolk County dispatchers upgraded the call to a reported structure fire following subsequent 911 calls confirming an active smoke condition inside the building.

Bohemia Engine 7 arrived first due, encountering moderate smoke banked down within the interior and identifying the source as originating from the building’s rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Under the command of Chief Moreau and Lieutenant Haynes, crews from the Bohemia Fire Department and the mutual aid Lakeland Fire Department threw ladders, accessed the roof, and pinpointed a burned-out electric blower motor inside one of the rooftop HVAC housings. Firefighters secured power to the unit, isolated the mechanical failure, and confirmed that the fire had not extended into the roof decking or ductwork.

The situation was placed under control quickly without structural damage or reported injuries. On-scene operations were supported by mutual aid companies from the Lakeland Fire Department, Holbrook Fire Department, and Community Ambulance Company.