CARMEL – A rapid response
by area firefighters and the installation of sprinklers in a multi-story
senior citizens complex in Carmel saved the day Saturday when a fire broke
out in a third floor apartment.
Carmel firefighters arrived at the Hillcrest Commons off Route 52 adjacent
to the Shop-Rite Plaza around 9 a.m. and found smoke and flames.
Chief Dave DiRienzo sounded a general alarm and requested mutual aid from
the Lake Carmel, Brewster and Mahopac Fire Departments as well as the
Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a paramedic from the EM STAR Ambulance
Company.
The chief said the fire began when a woman residing in the apartment that
caught fire extinguished a cigarette she had been smoking in an outside
porch. “The butt was deposited into a wicker bin which went up in
flames and ignited the side of the building. Thank God the sprinklers
became activated which resulted in the sounding of an alarm.”
The chief said the sprinkler system kept the flames in check until firefighters
who arrived attacked the blaze which was quickly extinguished without
structural damage to the 30-unit building.
The resident in the apartment suffered smoke inhalation and was treated
at the scene by EMS providers.
Also assisting were Putnam Assistant Commissioner of Emergency Services
Robert Lipton, Putnam Battalion 15 Coordinator Doug Casey, the Putnam
Fire Investigation Team and Carmel Police.
Fire crews returned to quarters two hours later.
