Waterfront Commercial Fire at Winter Bros Shipyard Triggers Second Alarm and Haz-Mat Response

Islip, NY - A heavy commercial fire erupted inside a waterfront boat repair facility Monday evening, triggering a second alarm and bringing land companies, mutual aid fire boats, and environmental protection agencies to the Winter Bros Shipyard in southern Suffolk County.

At approximately 6:57 p.m. on September 7, the Islip Fire Department was dispatched following multiple 911 calls—including reports from witnesses across the canal—reporting active fire showing from a commercial occupancy at 21 Athasca Road.

Second Assistant Chief Farrell was the first to arrive on scene, confirming an active fire in a commercial building and immediately transmitting a working fire declaration (Signal 35). Chief of Department Macchio arrived shortly thereafter, established an incident command post, and activated the 2nd Alarm mutual aid plan to draw additional apparatus and manpower to the scene.

Islip crews stretched three attack handlines into the structure to combat active fire burning across both the first and second floors. Interior teams conducted primary and secondary searches of the premises, confirming the facility was unoccupied at the time of the fire with no civilian victims found.

Because the shipyard is situated directly on the canal, incident commanders requested specialized marine units. Mutual aid fire boats from the Bay Shore and East Islip fire departments deployed along the waterside, supporting firefighting operations and providing water rescue and safety coverage for firefighters operating on the docks.

The fire was brought under complete control in approximately one hour. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during operations and were evaluated and treated on scene by Exchange Ambulance of the Islips before being released.