Island Park Volunteer Fire Department

02/26/2026

🚨 Working Fire – Island Park 🚨

At 12:06 p.m. on February 26, 2026, the Island Park Fire Department responded to a fire inside a 2-story single-family dwelling.

Firefighters placed the fire under control within 25 minutes. Approximately 40 firefighters were on scene.

Mutual aid assistance requested from

City of Long Beach New York Fire Department
Oceanside NY Fire Department
Point Lookout Lido FD
Atlantic Beach Rescue
Freeport Fire Department

There were no reported injuries. And the American Red Cross was requested to assist 6 adults and 1 child displaced by the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal - County of Nassau and County Arson/Bomb Squad.

Command was under 2nd Asst. Chief Denis.

02/22/2026

🚨 Winter Storm Hernando Update 2 – Public Safety🚨

The County Executive has declared a State of Emergency due to Winter Storm Hernando.

🚫 Travel ban for non-essential vehicles
🕘 In effect tonight at 9:00 PM through Monday at 9:00 AM

🚒 The Island Park Fire Department is actively monitoring storm conditions and will be on standby.

Please avoid unnecessary travel, stay warm, and check on neighbors if it’s safe to do so.
Your safety comes first — stay safe, everyone. ❄️

02/22/2026

⚠️ Winter Storm Hernando — Update 1

❄️ Heavy snowfall (potentially 12–24″ or higher)

🌬️ High winds (40–70 mph) will create blizzard conditions, whiteouts, and low visibility tonight through Monday.

🚧 Roads will be hazardous to impassable — avoid travel unless urgent.

🚨 Fire & EMS response may be delayed due to weather. But will be prepared for all emergencies.

🔥 Please keep hydrants clear of snow and have emergency supplies ready.

🌊 Coastal flooding is possible at high tide.

📲 Stay updated via NOAA/NWS and local alerts.r

02/21/2026

🚨 Winter Storm Alert – Nor’easter Expected 🚨
A strong nor’easter is forecast to impact our area Sunday into Monday.

🌨️ Heavy Snowfall: Up to ~2 feet possible
🌬️ Winds: Gusts up to 55 mph
👀 Visibility: Very low at times
⚠️ Impacts: Dangerous travel, possible power outages, drifting snow

🚒 Island Park Fire Department is monitoring the storm closely and is fully prepared to respond as conditions change.

Please:
• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Secure outdoor items
• Have flashlights, batteries, and essentials ready
• Check on neighbors who may need help

We’ll continue to share updates as the storm approaches.
Stay safe and stay warm ❄️

02/20/2026

Village Board and Assemblyman Ari Brown presented Team citations to members of our department for a save made after Snow Storm Fern last month.

At tonight’s Village Board Meeting, Mayor Michael McGinty and the Village Board proudly honored Honorary Chief Anthony Ciccimarro, Chief Michael Denis, Chief Mahendra Hardwar, and EMT Jason Roberts for an extraordinary rescue carried out under some of the most dangerous winter conditions.

Just a few hours after Winter Storm Fern dumped more than a foot of snow on our region, at 5:40 am on January 26, the Fire Department was dispatched to an unresponsive Long Island Rail Road employee on the Wreck Lead Train Trestle over Reynolds Channel. Members were forced to walk across the narrow trestle over the bay in more than a foot of uncleared snow and ice, battling brutal cold, strong winds, and total exposure to the bay below.

Realizing that attempting to carry the victim across the trestle would endanger both responders and patient, the team made the critical call to place the victim onto a Long Island Rail Road train and transport them safely to the Island Park Station, where they were transferred to our ambulance and rushed to the hospital.

The Mayor and Village Board were proud to present citations to these outstanding members, and we are incredibly grateful for their bravery and all the heroes that comprise the ranks of the Island Park Fire Department.

01/31/2026

The Chiefs Office and membership extend our deepest condolences as we join the Nassau County Police Department in mourning the tragic and devastating loss of Officer Patricia Espinosa.

Officer Espinosa’s dedication, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and the entire NCPD family during this incredibly difficult time.

We stand together in grief, remembrance, and support.

01/25/2026

🚨 Winter Storm Fern Update 🚨

Island Park Fire Department is on standby with members ready to respond as Winter Storm Fern impacts our area. Crews are monitoring conditions closely and are ready to respond as needed.

❄️ Please remember:
• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall
• Use caution on icy roads and sidewalks
• Keep fire hydrants clear of snow
• Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with medical needs

Call 911 or 516-431-1213 to Report Emergencies.

We’ll continue to share updates as conditions change. Stay safe and stay warm! 🔥🚒❄️

01/25/2026

🚨 Winter Storm Fern Update 🚨

The Chiefs office met this evening to discuss storm preparation and overall readiness as Winter Storm Fern approaches. Our department is preparing personnel, apparatus, and resources to ensure we are ready to respond throughout the storm.

❄️ Safety Reminders for Residents ❄️

🚗 Driving
• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during periods of heavy snowfall.
• Slow down and increase following distance.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blanket, flashlight, phone charger).

🧤 Shoveling
• Pace yourself and take frequent breaks.
• Push snow when possible—avoid lifting heavy, wet snow.
• Dress in layers and stay hydrated.
• Stop immediately if you feel chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

🔥 Fire Hydrants
• Please help keep hydrants clear of snow and ice if it’s safe to do so—this can save valuable time during an emergency.

🌡️ Cold Weather
• Dress for frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance.

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay safe, stay warm, and thank you for helping us keep the community safe during Winter Storm Fern.

cc: Village of Island Park

01/24/2026

❄️ Winter Storm Fern – Update ❄️

🌨 Snowfall: 8–14 inches expected
💨 Winds: 15–20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph
🥶 Temps: Frigid conditions with wind chills in the single digits
⏰ Timing: Heaviest snowfall late morning through early evening Sunday.

⚠️ Impacts: Hazardous travel, reduced visibility, drifting snow, and dangerous cold.
🧤 Safety Tips: Limit travel if possible, dress in layers, keep phones charged, and check on neighbors—especially seniors.

We’ll continue to share updates as conditions change. Stay safe and stay warm!

cc: Village of Island Park

01/23/2026

🚨 WINTER WEATHER UPDATE 🚨

The NOAA & NYS OEM notes timeline for anticipated winter storm to be between Sunday morning continuing through Monday evening.

❄️ What to Expect
• Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility
• Slippery sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas
• Possible delays or disruptions due to weather conditions
• Possible slick roadways.

🧤 Winter Safety Tips

See images.

cc: Village of Island Park

01/23/2026

🚨 WINTER STORM ALERT ❄️🚒

A significant winter storm is expected to impact our community, bringing snowfall and potentially hazardous conditions. Travel may become difficult, especially during peak storm hours.

⚠️ Please plan ahead:
• Avoid unnecessary travel if possible
• Slow down and allow extra time on the roads
• Clear snow from fire hydrants near your home — every second counts in an emergency 🚒
• Shovel sidewalks when safe and check on elderly neighbors or those who may need assistance

The Island Park Fire Department is preparing to respond to any emergency. We are actively monitoring the storm and will post updates here as conditions change and more information becomes available.

Thank you for helping us help you. Stay safe and stay warm. 💙❄️

CC: Village of Island Park

Updates to Follow!!

01/14/2026

Heroism Recognized

While vacationing in Lake Placid last December, Captain Joseph Bitetto demonstrated extraordinary bravery when he rescued two individuals after they fell through the ice. His quick thinking and selfless actions saved lives.

Captain Bitetto was honored with the TOH Award last Wednesday in recognition of his heroic efforts. He will be receiving a Village of Island Park citation and key to the village tomorrow at 6:30pm, further acknowledging his dedication to service both on and off duty.

Please join the Chiefs Office and Membership in congratulating Captain Bitetto on this well-deserve recognition.