Alarming surge in house fires this winter on Long Island
House fires have gone up in the greater New York region along with the number of people displaced.
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An alarming surge in house fires across Long Island and the greater New York region is being noticed by emergency responders and relief agencies at a time when many volunteer fire departments are facing declining membership.
The American Red Cross describes a troubling winter spike in residential fires.
“It’s really surprising to me to see that type of uptick,” said Jose Dominguez, CEO of the Red Cross on Long Island.
According to Dominguez, the Greater New York region has experienced a 30% increase in house fires. Even more concerning, he said, is the sharp rise in the number of people needing assistance per incident. The organization has seen more than a 90% increase in the number of children requiring help following fires.
“When someone is displaced by a house fire or a disaster, the first thing we want to think about is their sheltering needs,” Dominguez said. “The other things we provide are clothing — especially if it’s a fire. You only have two minutes to get out of your home.”
Just last weekend, 12 people from five households were displaced after an apartment complex fire in East Meadow. The East Meadow Fire Department reported a more than 3% increase in fire calls last year.
“Every year our call volume seems to be increasing,” Fire Commissioner Carey Welt said. “Our membership is declining, and it’s getting harder to get new members and keep the new members.”
Like most fire departments across Long Island, East Meadow relies on volunteer firefighters. While volunteers currently receive tax benefits for their service, some officials argue that stipends may be necessary to attract and retain members as call demands grow.
The Red Cross reported responding to more than 100 fires on Long Island since Nov. 1. Between Feb. 2 and 8, the organization assisted more than 50 people affected by 10 separate fires.
Possible causes for the seasonal uptick include space heaters placed too close to flammable materials and fireplaces that have not been properly cleaned, Dominguez said.
