Fire Spreads Through Numerous Valley Stream Businesses

A fire broke out at a Valley Stream dry cleaner Wednesday night and spread to numerous neighboring businesses, according to Nassau police and fire officials.

“Firefighters were confronted with a large volume of fire that was rapidly extending to adjoining stores,” said Lawrence-Cedarhurst Assistant Chief Anthony Rivelli. “Under the command of Assistant Chief Charles Broucher of the Valley Stream FD, firefighters began an aggressive attack on the blaze. However, the structural integrity of the building was a concern and firefighters were withdrawn to the exterior.”

The fire originated at Merrick Dry Cleaners, located at 527 West Merrick Rd., police said.

The Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Elmont, Malverne, Lakeview, Inwood and Woodmere fire departments responded to the scene with about 20 pieces of firefighting apparatus and 100 fire personnel to extinguish the blaze, police said. Firefighters from Hewlett, Meadowmere Park and Lawrence-Cedarhurst covered additional calls in Valley Stream.

Several of the businesses were extensively damaged by the fire and other businesses by substantial smoke and water damage. There were no injuries reported.

The Arson Bomb Squad and the Nassau County Fire Marshal were present at the scene and are investigating.