Mr BarBQ, Servwell Charcoal

Located at 50 Lexington Avenue. On Friday, November 13 at 2:51 am a raging fire destroyed the quonset type, metal constructed buildings. Chief Robert Wright of the Bethpage Fire Department requested the support from Levittown, Plainview, Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, and Hicksville Fire Department with the combined force of some 200 firefighters.

The flames were fueled by tons of charcoal, propane, lighter fluid and thousands of aerosol cans of butane fuel, which provided a fireworks type display, and a most dangerous fire to extinguish. The fire orginally started outside in the vacinity of a truck and wood pallets stored against the structure.

Hoses had to be stretched across the L.I.R.R. tracks, which caused delays for the commuters during the morning rush, and 38 trains being rerouted to the south shore. 12 homes had to be evacuated. The fire was under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshall's Office and N.C.P.D. Arson Squad. As hazardous materials were involved, the Fire Marshall's office responded with a Haz-Mat Unit. The Department of Environmental Conservation monitored water runoff for contamination. Certain areas were diked and the owners of Mr. BarBQ hired a private firm to siphon off waste.

Bethpage Tribune - 11/19/87