Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department Responded to Kitchen Fire at Central Perk Cafe

Lawrence, N.Y. — October 6 — At approximately 8:39 a.m., the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department was dispatched to Central Perk Cafe, situated at 105 Cedarhurst Avenue in Cedarhurst, following a report of a kitchen fire.Upon arrival within one minute, firefighters encountered an active blaze in the kitchen with indications of potential spread.

The three-story structure, accommodating five commercial enterprises and eleven residential units, necessitated comprehensive search operations, evacuation protocols, and verification of utility extensions as critical components of the response. Approximately one hundred firefighters mobilized to address the incident, as reported by News 12.Fortunately, no injuries were sustained.

The first-due engine company deployed a handline to initiate an interior attack, while supplementary units executed primary searches, facilitated occupant evacuations, provided structural ventilation, and assessed the fire for potential extension.

The principal conflagration remained confined to the kitchen, exhibiting only minor propagation into the building's suppression ductwork as it advanced toward the rear.

Three handlines were deployed, with two actively engaged; firefighters gained control of the blaze within approximately 45 minutes, thereby restricting its further extension into the structure.

Operational command for the incident was vested in Assistant Chief Beilinson, who was supported by mutual aid resources drawn from Inwood, Woodmere, Hewlett, Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Long Beach, Atlantic Beach Rescue, Elmont, Lakeview, and R.L.Hatzolah, all of which deployed to the scene.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office, in conjunction with the Nassau County Police Department Arson and Bomb Squad, conducted a thorough investigation to determine the fire's origin. The swift arrival of emergency personnel, coupled with a coordinated interior attack, comprehensive search operations, and an effective mutual aid response, successfully limited the conflagration to the first-floor commercial premises.

Headquartered at 75 Washington Avenue in Lawrence, New York, the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department conducted its operations from this central facility.