***First Due 2nd Alarm*** At 10:57hrs on Monday, December 1st, Yorktown Heights Fire w/ a BHFD F.A.S.Team was dispatched to a reported structure fire on the 2200blk of Ridge St. Car 2532, Car 2533, Engine 272, Engine 274, Ladder 51 and Rescue 16 with over 2 dozen Yorktown Heights Volunteer Firefighters responded on the assignment. While in-route, Car 2532 had a large column visible from a distance and was advised of multiple calls reporting a house fire and transmitted the 10-75 (working fire). Car 2532 quickly arrived on scene to find a large 2.5 story private dwelling with fire showing and established “Ridge St Command”. YHFD volunteers were forced to conduct a “Defensive operation” due to advanced conditions on the 1st and 2nd floors. The elevated master stream from Ladder 51 was quickly placed in service along with multiple hand lines and two positive water supplies were established to darken down the fire. YHFD members were able transition to a brief interior operation perform a primary search of the tenable room on the 2nd floor and operate a hose line, it was later verified that the home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. A precautionary 2nd alarm was transmitted in the event additional resources were needed and requested to stage at Ridge St/ Rt 35 with MFD Car 2253 acting as the “staging area manager.” The majority of the 2nd alarm units were released from staging as the bulk of the fire was knocked down. Extensive overhaul and a fire watch was completed. The scene was later turned over to the Yorktown Building Dept and homeowner at approximately 17:30hrs. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. There were no injuries to civilians or fire service personnel. 1 cat did survive the fire and was transported to a local vet for evaluation. The Red Cross was notified to provide assistance for 3 adult occupants. We’d like to thank our mutual aid partners for assisting us at the scene/staging and with station coverage during this incident. This incident was one of several that occurred in the Yorktown Heights Fire District on Monday.
