Bellport, N.Y.- On Memorial Day 2023 at about 3:45 PM the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated
by Suffolk Fire Rescue Dispatch for a report of Smoke in the area of Wood Side Ave & Horseblock Rd
Brookhaven Assistant Chiefs Hudson Darrow {5-3-32} Responded to the scene along with additional
units. On arrival of the first due units they determined the source of the large column of smoke to be
coming from Pallets R’ Us on Woodside ave .

Upon making entry to the property it was determined a large pile of mulch and wood chips were on fire
as well as some trailers. Mutual aid was requested to assist from several agencies for Engines as well as
Water tankers to respond in to the scene to assist with relaying water. Heavy equipment operators were
also used to assist with sifting through and spreading the debris so that firefighters could ensure that
water was able to reach all hotspots in the large mulch pile. The departments drone was deployed to give the incident commander and his staff a a better view of the scene and determine where resources should be deployed as well as helping to locate any potential hot spots. Firefighters from numerous agencies operated to bring the fires under control. Mutual aid was provided by Bellport, Hagerman, Mastic beach , North Patchogue , Ridge and Yaphank Fire Departments on scene . Mastic Fire Department stood by for Brookhaven during the alarm to answer any additional alarms. In addition fire fighter rehab and support services were provided by South Country and Shirley Ambulance Companies. Firefighters remained on scene until around 6PM. The incident commander was Assistant Chief Guiseppe Loiacono {5-3-31}. No injuries were reported. The scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Fire Marshal.