Suspicious Fire in South Farmingdale

The South Farmingdale Fire Department was called to a reported building fire on Merritts Road about 2135 on December20, 2022. First Assistant Chief Mackie and newly elected Second Assistant Chief Fullshire responded. Additional information was smoke coming from the store next to a nail salon. Nassau County Police were on scene confirming a working fire. Chief Mackie arrived to fire in Cafe La Bella Notte in a four-store, single-story taxpayer. Engines stretched lines and ladders checked for extension. The fire was contained to the business, the nail salon and storefront on the otherside of the restaurant were vacant. Irving’s Pastrami on the end of the strip suffered no damage. The fire was brought undercontrol in about 30 minutes. The fire was deemed suspicious by the Nassau County Fire Marshal and its cause was underinvestigation. Mutual aid came from Bethpage, North Massapequa, Farmingdale and East Farmingdale. Plainview, Amityville and Massapequa stood by at South Farmingdale Headquarters.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Over the Edge Photography