GARRISON – Fire officials are crediting good fortune for averting a calamity in Garrison late Saturday evening.
The Putnam 911 Dispatch Center in Carmel received several calls reporting a house on fire at 996 Old Albany Post Road. Garrison Fire Department personnel were summoned along with mutual aid from the North Highlands, Cold Spring, Continental Village, Putnam Valley and Kent Fire departments.
Garrison Chief Jim Erickson said the fire was discovered by a man plowing a driveway. “He noticed the dwelling’s exterior wall was ablaze with heavy fire and smoke throughout the interior.” When Erickson arrived minutes later, he observed the homeowner and the plowman using portable extinguishers to contain the fire. “I took my extinguisher from the back of the chief’s car and helped to further knock down the flames.”
Realizing that the North Highlands Fire Department was holding its Christmas party at fire headquarters, Erickson summoned the fire company forthwith. “The first engine was out the door in a minute and on the scene moments later despite the extremely treacherous driving conditions,” said the chief.
The fire was extinguished but crews spent some time checking for hotspots.
The Putnam Fire Investigation Team was summoned. Erickson said the cause remains under investigation but is not considered to be suspicious.
No injuries were reported to members of the family or to firefighters who returned to quarters at 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
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