Town's New Specialized Equipment Aids In Critical, Time-Saving Fire Response

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — New equipment purchased by the Town of Southampton was successfully deployed on Thursday to help knock down a commercial structure fire in Hampton Bays, officials said.

Southampton Town Code Compliance and Emergency Management Administrator Ryan Murphy explained what led to the town's purchase.

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"In response to post-COVID population increases, growing traffic, increased demands placed on the volunteer fire service, and the current weight restrictions on the Ponquogue Bridge, the Town of Southampton Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management purchased and deployed eight Stat-X First Responder fire suppression devices."

The devices, he said, are small, smoke-grenade-style fire suppression devices that are intended to be used in the early stages of a fire's growth, or to reduce the risks of a dangerous flashover.

The devices can be thrown into the room/structure that is currently ablaze and they will work to suppress the fire and buy time for fire department's response while reducing the intensity and spread of the fire, he said.

On Thursday afternoon, Hampton Bays Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Don Downs arrived at the scene at a working structure fire in Hampton Bays, officials said.

Knowing that his engine was still a few minutes out and wanting to buy critical time for the engine to arrive and hook up to the hydrant, Downs said he made the decision to deploy the new Stat-X device.

"I knew we had at least a few more minutes before the engine would arrive and begin operations," he said. "With the risk of further extension and the speed at which fires can grow, I made the decision to deploy the device the town provided us. We immediately saw the smoke change in color and upon entering, crews still found a very hot environment, but minimal fire load compared to likely what would have happened had we not utilized the device."

Murphy added: "We purchased these devices and put them into fire marshal vehicles so that they were throughout the community in the event our fire marshals observed a structure fire starting in its early stages. When the Hampton Bays Fire Department was faced with the challenges of the reduced access on the Ponquogue Bridge, we deployed two of them to their chiefs as a means to buy time when trucks have to go around to get to the beach."

And, Murphy reflected: "Although I wish the need did not arise, I am thrilled that this equipment was able to assist the fire department in their response. With this success, we will look to expand the availability of these devices throughout the town," Murphy said.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, liaison to public safety and the fire service, applauded the effort and partnership.

"I am thankful that our public safety director and our fire departments have such a strong relationship and are willing to think outside the box in ways that protect our residents and strengthen our emergency response capabilities," she said.