SHIRLEY, NY - On Saturday, July 17th at about 9:56 P.M., the Brookhaven Fire Department was dispatched by Suffolk Fire-Com to respond to a reported structure fire on Rockledge Drive, between Maple Lane and Alder Lane.

2nd Assistant Chief Giuseppe Loiacono {5-3-32} advised fire-com that he was responding to the scene and the dispatcher advised him that they were taking multiple calls for a reported house fire with possible occupants within.

Assistant Chief Loiacono arrived on scene a short time later and confirmed he had a working fire (Signal 13-35) in a single-story structure, and that there were also power lines down and he needed PSEG to respond forthwith. Loiacono was joined by 1st Assistant Chief Anthony Verni {5-3-31} and Chief of Department Dan DiPinto {5-3-30} a short time later.

The first due engine crews immediately began to stretch lines to the side of the house where the bulk of the fire appeared to be. Mutual Aid was requested from Mastic, Mastic Beach and Center Moriches FD’s to assist with battling the blaze. Mutual Aid was also requested for standby coverage at Brookhaven's stations to cover the district.

The fire was able to be quickly knocked down, however the heat from the flames from both the house and fence that were on fire prior to FD arrival had melted siding on a neighboring house, causing damage there. Firefighters also sprayed the side of that house down as well.

Members were on scene for an extended period of time. Shirley Ambulance was also on scene providing rehab and support services.