At 5:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in bitterly cold temperatures, firefighters from the Alerts, Vigilants, Manhasset Lakeville and Roslyn fire companies battled a raging fire that broke out in the catering facilities of Temple Israel at 108 Old Mill Road. Alert Fire Chief Victor Fuentes said, "We used four thermal imaging cameras, four ladders and a lot of water and brought the fire under control by 8:14 a.m. Two hundred firefighters showed up. Not only were we assisted by three other fire departments, but also by employees of the Great Neck Park District. The Water Authority employees were also on hand to make sure that we had enough water pressure to do the job. The fire marshal's office is investigating."

Additionally, from the Village of Great Neck, employees came with a village salt truck to assist in preventing water runoff from freezing, which would have added to the dangers.

Temple Israel President Richard Kestenbaum said, "Thank G-d no one was hurt. The damage was limited, our torahs are safe and the congregation will get past this terrible morning. We are so grateful and indebted to the firefighters who worked so hard to subdue the blaze and the police who assisted in keeping order and redirecting traffic. This is one of those times when we are reminded of what a great community we share."