Mainland Crews Cross Great South Bay for Fire Island Pines Fire

Firefighters from Fire Island and mainland Long Island combined resources to battle a residential structure fire in Fire Island Pines, with mainland crews crossing the Great South Bay by ferry to reinforce operations.

The Fire Island Pines Fire Department was operating at the working fire when multiple mutual-aid departments were requested at approximately 1:30 p.m. on September 16 in Fire Island Pines, New York. Heavy fire was reported in a residential structure, creating exposure concerns for nearby homes in the densely built barrier island community.

Island-based firefighters were joined by personnel from Bayport, Fair Harbor, West Sayville, Sayville and other mutual-aid departments. Bayport responded with a nine-member crew, while West Sayville and Sayville firefighters traveled across the Great South Bay aboard passenger ferries.

Mainland firefighters carried portable equipment, forcible-entry tools and other firefighting gear aboard the vessels before deploying on foot after reaching the island. The response required crews to work within Fire Island Pines' boardwalk network, where conventional fire apparatus access is limited.

Firefighters established suppression and exposure-protection operations as crews worked to contain the fire to the involved property and prevent extension to neighboring structures. Mutual-aid personnel assisted with hose-line operations, ventilation and other fireground assignments.

The combined response brought the fire under control without reported extension to neighboring structures. Crews remained on scene for suppression and overhaul operations before mainland personnel returned across the bay.