Wantagh Fire Department

01/22/2026

The National Weather Service is calling for a “dramatically increased” probability of a “significant winter storm” this weekend with the possibility of snow starting Saturday night and lasting through Monday, with the heaviest snowfall on Sunday. Meteorologists are predicting that most of Long Island will get at least 6 or more inches of snow. Temperatures with wind chills throughout the period will be below freezing, especially overnight.
While there is always some unpredictability with weather forecasting, it is always better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best

Before the Storm:
• Food & Water: Stock up on non-perishable food (canned goods, nuts, etc.) and bottled water for at least three days, plus a manual can opener.
• In the event of a Power Outage: Gather flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, phone chargers, and warm blankets.
• Medications: Have enough prescription medications for anyone in your household for a few days.
• Heating: Have safe emergency heat sources (wood, space heater) and fire extinguisher, and test smoke/CO detectors.
• Pets: Don’t leave pets outside for longer than necessary and have extra food, water and medication for them.
• Emergencies: Make a list of emergency numbers for utility companies ready in the event of downed wires, heating system failure, frozen water pipes, or any other storm related emergency.
• Generator Safety: Review all safety tips. NEVER use a generator indoors, in a garage or near the house where exhaust fumes could enter the home.
• Snow removal: Have shovels and ice melt available and ensure that you are physically able to shovel, if not, arrange for someone who can in advance.
• Snowblowers: Read and follow all safety tips before using a snowblowers and be sure you have extra gasoline.
Vehicles:
• Fuel Up: Fill your gas tank before the storm hits.
• Vehicle Check: Inspect wipers, tires, and antifreeze.
• Park as many vehicles as possible in the driveway so plow operators can do their jobs.
During the Storm
• Stay Informed: monitor local TV and radio stations or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov for the latest updates.
• Stay Inside: Avoid unnecessary travel; roads can be dangerous. DO NOT DRIVE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
• Check on Others: Check on elderly neighbors and family members.
• When shoveling, be sure to stay hydrated, stay as dry as you can to prevent hypothermia and take frequent breaks.

Prepare in advance. Don't wait until the last minute!
Kevin Regan, PIO

01/07/2026

It is with deep regret that the Chief’s Office, Board of Fire Commissioners, officers and members of Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Company 1 and the officers and members of Station 3 announce the passing of 65-year member, Ex-Chief and former Commissioner John T. Barrett.

Ex-Chief Barrett will be reposing at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home at 3863 Merrick Road in Seaford on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 2-4 and 7-9 with Fire Department services at 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday January 12, 2026 at 9:30 am at St. William the Abbot R.C. Church, located at 2000 Jackson Avenue Seaford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to the Seaford Historical Society, 3890 Jackson Avenue Seaford, NY 11783.

May he Rest in Peace and may his family find comfort in the love and support of his friends.

12/31/2025

As 2025 draws to a close the members of the Wantagh FD would like to thank Chief of Department Leonard Mathewson for his 8 years of dedicated service in the Chief’s Office as his term comes to an end at midnight. Serving as a Chief requires a tremendous amount of commitment and dedication and we are thankful to Chief Mathewson for his leadership and service.
As Chief Mathewson returns to the “Harbor House” we wish him the very best!
Kevin Regan, PIO

12/31/2025

We wish all our friends and neighbors a Happy & Safe New Year!

12/24/2025

12/23/2025

At approximately 9:18 am on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Wantagh FD responded to a call, which was initially received as a Carbon Monoxide Alarm at 2035 Seaford Avenue in Seaford. The homeowner, who was not home at the time, was able to access a camera in the home and observed a haze inside the home, prompting dispatcher Marc Besthoff to transmit a General Alarm for a house fire, alerting all stations. Third Assistant Chief Chris Dolley arrived and assumed command and transmitted a “Signal 10,” working fire.

Engine 1, led by Ex- Chief Tom Bloomfield, arrived, and his crew stretched a hose line into the house and quickly attacked the fire, bringing it under control in about 15-20 minutes. Engine 3, led by Captain Devin Oliver, arrived moments later and connected to a hydrant to feed Engine 1 a water supply and then stretched a second hose line. Ladder 1, led by Lieutenant JT McCarron, arrived and began to search and ventilate the dwelling, assisted by Ladder 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello. Additional Wantagh Fire Department Units included Engines 4, 5, and 7, Squad 1, Rescues 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the EMS Captain and Safety Officer.

A neighbor who entered the home before the Fire Department arrived to ensure there were no occupants was evaluated at the scene by a Police Medic from the Nassau County Police Department for minor smoke inhalation and refused further medical aid.

There were approximately 60 Firefighters and Fire Medics at the scene. Mutual Aid to the scene with a F.A.S.T. Truck in the event of a firefighter emergency was provided by the Seaford FD, as the Bellmore and Massapequa Fire Departments stood by with an Engine, Truck, and Rescue at Wantagh Station #1. All units were secure in about 60 minutes.

The cause and origin of the fire is under routine investigation by the Nassau County Police Arson Squad and Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos and story by
Kevin Regan, PIO

12/19/2025

At Monday night’s Board of Fire Commissioner’s meeting we welcomed 3 new members into the Department and a 4th will be sworn in later this month. We welcome them and wish them the very best!

If you’re interested in joining the Wantagh Fire Department as a Firefighter, Fire Medic or Explorer, go to our website at www.wantaghfd.com and click on the ‘join us’ tab. We are always looking for new members to help serve our community.

12/16/2025

Once again members of Engine 7 teamed up with our friends from Project Thank A Cop on Thursday December 11, 2025 help Santa bring toys and spread some holiday cheer for the staff and hospitalized children at NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island in Mineola. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and Mineola Fire Department were also on hand as the Mineola HS Choir braved the frigid cold and performed by the Hospital’s Main Entrance as staff came out to enjoy the festive atmosphere and many watched from the windows above.

Kevin Regan, PIO

12/15/2025

As we have had our first snow of the season we are asking you to help us help you by considering to “Adopt a Hydrant.” If you have an Fire Hydrant near your home please remove snow and ice accumulations at least 3 feet around in every direction, including the street. In the event of a fire every second counts and keeping hydrants accessible is critically important.

12/14/2025

We wish all our friends and family Peace, Joy, Light and many Blessings as you celebrate Hanukkah

12/13/2025

For the second time on Friday December 12, 2025 the Wantagh Fire Department received numerous calls reporting a House Fire, prompting Dispatcher Ed Campis to alert all stations for 150 Duckpond Drive in Wantagh. As it turns out, there were sheds, some brush and a fence on fire in the rear yard. Fortunately, there was no damage to the home. Chief of Department Leonard Mathewson was in command and he was assisted by Second Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann.
​Engine 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello arrived quickly and while connecting to a nearby hydrant, members stretched a hose line to the rear yard and began to attack the fire. Ladder 2, led by Captain Stefano Mastrandrea arrived and assisted with overhaul. Engines 3, 7, Ladder 1 and Rescue 2 were also on scene along with the Safety Officer, EMS Captain and Medic Car as Bethpage Engine 9055 and Ladder 3 stood by at Wantagh Station 2.
​The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and Nassau County Police Arson Squad. There were no injuries reported and all operations were complete in just more than an hour.
Photos by Harry Loud

Additional photos by Paul Mazza

Kevin Regan, PIO