Fire Prevention Day at the Smithtown Fire. Dept.

Despite the looming fall showers, the Smithtown Fire Dept. was able to hold its annual fire prevention education event on time, complete with real fire demonstrations and exhibits. The event was held on Sunday October 23rd at its headquarters, located at 100 Elm St., in Smithtown.

Current Fire Chief Pat Diecidue was on hand to coordinate the demonstrations and answer everyone’s questions. While Diecidue has been chief for the past seven years, this is the 30th time the department has hosted its fire prevention event.

A crowd of approximately 60 people were on hand to peruse the demonstrations, which included an actual controlled burning building, a stove fire, as well as proper handling of fire hoses and equipment.

Daisy Troop 1870, based at St. James Elementary School, was on hand to learn about fire prevention. Troop leaders  Lauren Gearino and Luann Reifert offered that they feel it’s important for the children, and they try to attend every year. Many of the girls enjoyed riding in the bucket truck, which provided a birds eye view of fighting a fire at a great height. Other children were given the opportunity to operate a real fire hose.

“The department takes prevention very seriously, said Chief Diecidue. “Last year alone, there were 3,900 plus responses for the department, including EMS.”

Additionally, fire fighting equipment is very expensive, with personal fire fighting gear costing as much as $4,000.00, and a radio transmitter another $4,000.00, which is mandatory. As is their custom, the Ladies Auxiliary was on hand to provide drinks and snacks to the attendees. 

Chief Diecidue said that Covid 19 created issues by adding the amount of personal protective equipment needed for the department. For example, both firefighters and EMS had to be prepared with masks, gloves and disinfecting equipment. All equipment used also had to be disinfected. In addition, there were supply issues which caused shortages of what they needed. The FD budget falls under the Town of Smithtown.

Chief Diecidue clarified that fire investigations are conducted by a separate entity, manned by Fire Marshals. The fire marshals are New York State peace officers charged with the enforcement of national, state and local fire prevention laws. Law enforcement training is provided through the police and sheriff's academies. Fire Marshals are also certified arson investigators with certifications such as hazardous materials response and handling. Fire Marshals conduct code compliance and safety inspections of commercial and municipal locations under their jurisdiction.

Common fire emergencies are related to chimney maintenance, dirty dryer vents or simple carelessness.  Chief Diecidue recommends annual maintenance for chimneys and dryer vents, as well as keeping ovens clean and checking smoke alarms and CO2 detectors.  

Fire marshals also conduct fire safety education programs for health care workers, children, senior citizens, civic groups and persons who are physically challenged. Training sessions are also provided to town employees on topics including fire prevention, CPR, workplace hazard recognition and more.

The Smithtown FD has several engine companies; a ladder company, a rescue company and an ambulance company. While Elm St. is their headquarters, there are two additional fire stations on Plaisted Ave. and Plymouth Blvd.

Based on the costs involved with maintaining a well equipped fire department, it is abundantly clear why fire prevention is so important, not to mention the risk to people and property. 

The SFD has a website, https://www.smithtownfd.org/about-us, which includes names of personnel, a list of upcoming events, a photo gallery and information on how to donate.