'Deepest Gratitude' To Firefighters Who Tackled Massive LI Blaze At Recycling Facility

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RIVERHEAD, NY — Officials offered heartfelt gratitude to the brave firefighters who tackled a massive blaze in Calverton Wednesday.

According to the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department: "Early this morning, around 2 a.m., a significant fire broke out at the Crown Recycling Facility located at 472 Youngs Avenue in Calverton. The Riverhead Fire Department, along with 34 other fire departments and agencies from across Long Island, responded swiftly to the scene with mutual aid."

The fire, which engulfed all four buildings on the property, required the efforts of nearly 250 firefighters to bring under control, the Riverhead Fire Department said. "By 1 p.m., the fire was almost fully contained, with only a couple of active hotspots remaining, and cleanup operations have since begun. We are pleased to report that there were no serious injuries; one firefighter was treated on scene for minor injuries and has been released," the fire department said.

"On behalf of the chiefs and members of the Riverhead Fire Department, we extend our deepest gratitude to all 35 agencies involved for your quick response, commitment, and teamwork, which were instrumental in managing this significant incident and ensuring the safety of our community. Your tremendous support made a critical difference."

New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio also extended her heartfelt gratitude to the brave firefighters, emergency medical personnel and mutual aid departments who responded to the massive fire at Crown Recycling. The fire was declared under control after "more than nine hours of intense firefighting efforts involving nearly three dozen departments," she said.

"I want to sincerely thank the firefighters and EMS personnel who worked through the night to contain the fire at the Crown Recycling facility," said Giglio. "Their quick response and effort protected nearby homes, businesses and residents from what could have been a far worse situation."

She added: "Given the nature of the materials involved — including construction debris and potential asbestos exposure — I’ve contacted Congressman Nick LaLota’s office to see if potential EPA air quality testing could be set into place."

Residents in the vicinity were advised to keep windows closed and remain indoors as a precautionary measure. The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management issued alerts to residents within a four-mile radius of the site.