Firefighter hurt in Hicksville auto service center blaze

The Hicksville Fire Department was called to a reported building... — The Hicksville Fire Department was called to a reported building fire at the intersection of Old Country Road and Newbridge Road. (Nov. 25, 2012) Credit: Paul Mazza

By JOHN VALENTIjohn.valenti@newsday.comNovember 26, 2012

One firefighter was injured battling a blaze that caused "extensive damage" to an auto service center in Hicksville on Sunday, police said.

Firefighters contained the blaze before it spread to nearby gas pumps at the station, police and fire officials said.

The fire was reported at the Advanced Auto Service Center on Old Country and Newbridge roads at 7:45 p.m., Nassau County police said.

Firefighters from the Hicksville, East Meadow, Carle Place and Bethpage fire department responded, and police said they found "heavy smoke" coming from the repair center building and then were able to contain the fire -- keeping it from spreading to the station pumps and gas storage tanks.

One firefighter suffered an ankle injury, officials said.

Police said the Nassau Fire Marshal's Office and investigators from the Arson/Bomb Squad are investigating the fire and said the cause is undetermined but not considered suspicious. Hicksville Fire Department Chief Chris Moskos said the fire started in a service bay at the service station and damaged the office area of the building.

According to its website, the Advanced Auto Service Center specializes in maintenance and repairs, has an inventory of used cars and trucks for sale, and also has a gas station.

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