• Concern that the water supplied by Brentwood is not sufficient to fight a major fire in FH. Click this link for a more thorough discussion.
• Pumping tests this summer resulted in a complete draw down of the water supply in 5 minutes using only pumper No 3. (750GPM).
• Concern over Fair Harbors fire fighting as well as the FD's contractual fire fighting obligations towards Dunewood and Lonelyville.
• The Saltaire fire clearly showed the lack of a reliable and sufficient water supply.
• The FD determined that the best solution is the purchase of a pumper capable of delivering 1200 GPM or about 900 GPM at the end of a 2500ft hose run. Water to be drawn form the Bay closest to the fire. The pumper carries a reel of 2500 ft 5inch hose.
• Permissive Election on 12/14/99
• Cost of pumper max. authorized $285,000 plus some construction expenditures to accomodate the higher truck.
• Financing: buy lease. 5 annual payments of $65,718.15 pa. in arrears @ 4.9% interest. First payment to come out of reserves which are to be replenished at the end of the term.
• Dunewood and Lonelyville to participate with their appropriate shares prorated based on assessed values.

Request the official meeting minutes for a more complete summary of the meeting.

There have been a number of improvements over the winter including new cement work in front of the "Old" firehouse and a new siren at the corner of Oak and Central. We've arranged to keep the siren on Fair Harbor time, i.e., the noon siren still goes off at 12:07.

1999 got off to a bad start. Two signal 13 alarms (structural fire) have been sounded so far. One alarm was in Saltaire on January 3rd and the second, in Cherry Grove, on April 14th your department, along with others, responded in both cases. At each alarm one house was totally lost and two others damaged. And in both cases faulty electrical services are at least partially to blame. Which leads us to suggest that having your electrician check over your system may be the smartest investment you can make. Many older homes were wired with "light" summer usage in mind, at a time when there were far fewer energy-hungry gadgets. The present day consequences could be a totally inadequate electrical system. Find out about it and have it updated before you find out about it in a costly and tragic way. Enough with the sermons.

On a more upbeat note, this summer your department will host pancake breakfasts (click for schedule) and a Labor Day parade complete with a kids' float contest, marching band and hot dogs, soda pop and ice cream galore. Please join us. And speaking of joining us, if you'd be interested, please stop by the "back" house any _3rd Sunday of the month a little before 9:30 am, and someone will be glad to talk it over with you. Some hard work, a lot of fun and a great deal of personal satisfaction await you when you become a member of the department or the auxiliary.

It's a wonderful way to make a contribution to the community. And speaking of contributions, while your tax dollars cover fire fighting equipment and other important expenses, we use donations to cover the cost of things like hot dogs & ice cream for the Kids Parade, the "Photo Ops", and uniforms for department members involved in the Fire Island Fire Department Tournament. We will be happy with any amount you'd like to contribute.

Check out the photos on the following pages. Maybe you'll be in them next year. Have a wonderful summer.

• The houses that burned this winter in Saltaire (1/3/99) and Cherry Grove (4/14/99) burned as is believed due to electrical shorts at the main LIPA boxes. LIPA is in the process of checking all boxes and connections. The FHFD is advising home-owners to check their setup and report all irregularities to LIPA or having your electrician check over your system.
• Although 6 to 8 new members joined the FHFD in the last three years, the FHFD as a volunteer organization always needs and appreciates new members.
• Home-owners are asked to clearly mark their homes with house numbers so that the FD in an emergency can respond quicker. It is suggested to place the house numbers on the lower right ramp or other clearly visible spot.
• The Town of Islip is delayed in cleaning/clearing brush and vines from the walks. The FHFD asks home owners in the meantime to clear away such obstruction for easier and safer fire equipment access.
• Reminder: FD meeting every 3rd Sunday of a month at 9:30am. Public commissioners meeting thereafter.