East Meadow Fire Communications received a 911 call at 11:19 p.m. from Firecom, announcing a house fire at 352 Berg Avenue.
One minute later, Chief of Department Philip Fertitta, Second Assistant Chief James Walsh and Safety Officer 6155 sent their response via radio and were soon followed by Third Assistant Chief Paul Kosiba. Four minutes into the alarm, Engines 611, 612, and Ladder 617 were on the road.
Assistant Chief Walsh, first on the scene, immediately sent a Signal 98 (Active Fire: First pumper in connect to a hydrant and stretch 2 attack lines). Just seconds later, Chief Walsh upgraded the alarm to a Signal 10 (Working Fire: General alarm adding Engines 3, 4, and Rescues 4, 5, and Rapid Intervention team).