Ten fire departments battled a raging brush fire that engulfed about four acres of woods at the West Hills County Park in Melville late Sunday night into Monday morning.  Over 100 firefighters using 15 trucks from Melville, Dix Hills, Huntington, Huntington Manor, Cold Spring Harbor, Deer Park, Wyandanch, West Islip, Bethpage and Plainview fire departments battled the blaze for three hours using “stump-jumper” brush trucks and ATV’s to gain access to the fire.  Four firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the fire with two treated by rescue personnel at the scene, and two transported to North Shore Plainview Hospital for treatment.  Units were under the command of Melville Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Jason Bernfeld, supported by Third Assistant Chief Ron Russomanto. Suffolk County Fire-Rescue Coordinators were on the scene to provide assistance.  Local departments were also called out on Monday afternoon to assist with several major brush fires blazing out east in the Ridge and Manorville areas.                                

                                     

Story & Photos by Steve Silverman

Photo # 2 – Dix Hills Fire Department “stump-jumper” brush truck crew prepares to enter the woods.

 

Photo # 3 – Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department brush truck crew enters the park from Mount Misery Road.

 

 

 

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