Nassau County prepares for multiple water main breaks as deep freeze loosens its grip
Nassau County officials are responding to a surge in cold-weather emergencies, including house fires caused by frozen pipes and widespread sprinkler system failures. As temperatures rise, they warn residents and businesses to prepare for multiple water main breaks as frozen ground begins to thaw.
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Cold temperatures are creating dangerous conditions across Nassau County, keeping fire crews busy with a range of weather-related emergencies.
Officials say one of the most serious incidents happened last night on Bellerose Terrace, where a frozen pipe sparked a house fire. Fire crews responded after a plumber attempted to thaw the pipe using a blow torch, igniting a fire inside the home.
Assistant Chief Fire Marshal James Hickman says the technique, commonly known as “sweating a pipe,” is often used but can quickly become dangerous.
“People do it, it’s been done forever,” Hickman said. “They put solder on it and sometimes it gets away from you.”
The fire caused extensive interior damage, forcing six residents to temporarily move out of the home.
Frozen pipes aren’t the only issue emergency crews are dealing with during the deep freeze. Hickman says Nassau County has responded to more than 100 calls involving frozen sprinkler systems in commercial buildings.
“We have to go issue orders to have it repaired,” Hickman said. “And sometimes we have to issue a fire watch order until it is repaired.”
Officials are also warning residents and business owners to prepare for another potential problem as temperatures rise. Hickman says thawing ground could lead to an increase in water main breaks over the next several days.
“In the next few days, as the temperatures rise and things thaw out, it’s going to increase exponentially,” he said.
Fire officials say as long as the cold weather continues, they expect these types of emergencies to keep coming in.
