Man Burned In Greenlawn Garage Fire

Story & photos by Steve Silverman

The Greenlawn Fire Department responded to reports of a fire with a burn victim on Wells Road in Greenlawn, Monday night, August 12, at about 9:20 p.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the detached 20’x40′ garage fully involved, and were advised by the homeowner that there were approximately 100 pounds of nitrous oxide tanks inside. Concerned about the possibility of explosions, firefighters used a deck gun to knock-down the flames and several hand-lines to extinguish the blaze, which was controlled within a half-hour. Firefighters also used hose lines to protect the nearby home from the fire. The garage and three vehicles inside were destroyed, and two vehicles in the driveway were extensively damaged.

The homeowner suffered second degree burns to his right leg and was assisted by the Greenlawn Rescue Squad. He was transferred by ambulance to a Suffolk Police Medivac helicopter that landed at the Harborfields High School, and airlifted to the Stony Brook University Hospital Burn Center.

The Centerport FD assisted at the fire scene with a Rapid Intervention Team, with an East Northport crew securing the helicopter landing zone. Dix Hills and Huntington Manor FD’s provided standby fire and rescue coverage.

Fifty firefighters were on the scene with five trucks and three ambulances, under the command of Greenlawn FD Second Assistant Chief Mike Zeis and Third Assistant Chief Mike Bellis. Suffolk County Fire-Rescue Coordinators were also on the scene assisting.

The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Town Fire Marshal are investigating.