10/19/2026
The Wyandanch Fire Company was alerted for a building fire at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on South 20th Street about 14:25 on October 18, 2026. Chief of Department Ron, First Assistant Chief Brown, and Second Assistant Chief Benitez responded first and were told numerous calls were being taken. Chief Benitez arrived first and reported smoke showing. Chief Ron arrived shorty after and took command of the scene. Upon further investigation fire was located in the basement kitchen known as Mercy Soup Kitchen and a working fire was transmitted. Engine 1-10-3 was first due and that crew stretched one line to the basement via the exterior stairs. North Babylon Engine 1-8-4 picked a hydrant across Straight Path and brought a supply line to 1-10-3. The crews from Ladder 1-10-5 and Quint 1-10-4 went to basement and first floor to check for extension and found the fire was traveling up a wall into first floor offices. The fire was knocked down quickly and contained to those areas. All searches were negative, as the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by the North Babylon Fire Company, Deer Park and West Babylon Fire Departments. EMS coverage was provided by Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corps. The fire reportedly did not damage any of the kitchen equipment. The kitchen has provided meals for 45 years and currently provides approximately 150 hot meals a day.
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