ISLIP, N.Y. — A fire tore through a commercial building at the Winter Bros Shipyard in Islip Monday evening, drawing a two-alarm response that included fire boats and hazardous materials crews, according to the Islip Fire Department.
Firefighters were called to the shipyard at 21 Athasca Road at 6:57 p.m. Sept. 7 after numerous reports of a building on fire, including calls from people across the canal.
Second Assistant Chief Farrell was the first chief to arrive and confirmed an active commercial building fire, prompting a working fire signal. Chief of Department Macchio arrived shortly afterward, established a command post and requested a second-alarm mutual aid response.
Islip firefighters stretched three handlines and battled flames on both the first and second floors of the building.
The building was unoccupied, and searches found no victims, the department said.
Because the building sits along the canal, fire boats from the Bay Shore and East Islip fire departments were requested to assist with firefighting operations and help protect firefighters working along the dock.
The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour.
Two firefighters were treated at the scene and released.
Bay Shore provided a ladder truck and fire boat, while East Islip sent an engine and fire boat. West Islip provided a FAST team. Islip Terrace and Central Islip provided standby coverage at Islip Fire Department headquarters, and Exchange Ambulance of the Islips provided EMS support and rehabilitation.
Because fuel and other hazardous materials were inside the building, the Town of Islip hazardous materials team was called to the scene along with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Coast Guard because of the possibility of fuel or chemical runoff entering the canal.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. The Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad is investigating.
Photos: Islip Fire Department Facebook page.
