At approximately 2:00 a.m. Wading River Fire Department (WRFD) was alerted by Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (SCFRES) dispatch to a reported commercial structure fire at 6278 NYS RT 25-A, Pazzo Wood Fired Pizzeria.

Chief of Department (6-3-30) Mark Donnelly arrived 1st and found an active fire in the business and a heavy smoke condition pushing from the attic/roof area and some in the adjoining businesses. Chief Donnelly took command and transmitted that this was a “working fire” to SFRES which automatically triggered preplanned Mutual Aid from neighboring departments.

1st Assistant Chief (6-3-31) Tom Whelan and 3rd Assistant Chief (6-3-33) Denise Gluck and Wading River Fire District Medic 80 arrived shortly thereafter.

Wading River Engine 13 and Ladder 4 arrived and their crews worked together to stretch a handline to start attacking the fire. While the crew was making an interior attack on the fire, Mutual Aid companies started to arrive and immediately “went to work” opening the rear of the building, venting the roof, stretching additional handlines and checking the adjoining businesses for fire extension. Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire and confine it to the business of origin. The pizzeria sustained fire damage to both its interior and exterior, and neighboring businesses suffered smoke and water damage.

While the firefighting efforts were going on WRFD Ambulance 16, WRFD Medic 80 and Mutual Aid EMS set up rehab and stood by at the scene in case of injury. Additional fire crews stood by as Rapid Intervention Teams (RiT) to assist any firefighters who may have become injured during the firefighting operations.

Additional Fire and EMS units stood by at WRFD Headquarters ready to handle any additional fire or EMS alarms that may have occurred within the Wading River Fire District.

SCFRES Coordinators also responded and assisted at the scene.

The fire was brought under control, and the scene was turned over to the Riverhead Town Fire Marshal and the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad for further investigation.

Our thoughts go out to the business owners and employees affected by the incident.

THANK YOU to all our firefighters, EMT’s and mutual-aid partners who worked through the night to help us in our time of need protecting life and property. Your quick response and hard work shows the strength and dedication of our fire and EMS service family.