GODEFFROY – A two-alarm
blaze in a rural Godeffroy barn mid-afternoon on Saturday brought firefighters
from several departments to assist Huguenot Fire Department on scene with
a fire started unintentionally by a resident following instructions on
a product used to rid the barn of pests.
It was determined by Orange County fire investigators that a rodent bomb
used by the resident who believed he was properly following precise instructions
and which was lit and thrown under the floor of old wooden barn, started
the fire. The resident was attempting to eliminate gophers and other pests
from the structure.
Rodent bomb sent the barn on fire
Despite its remote location on the top of a long, winding gravel road,
the fire was quickly contained and brought under control within about
20 minutes and was out within about an hour-and-a-half.
HFD Chief T.J. Kalin operated a command station at the top of the steep
hill, directing assisting traffic from below and firefighters from Huguenot
and mutual aid departments on scene.
Residents of the property, both musicians, were at home and practicing
in their circa 1750 stone house at the time that fire began – approximately
3:15 in the afternoon. They said the house lost electricity as the fire
began, even though both the house and barn on separate electrical service.
One of the residents said he considered trying to get some of his important
equipment out of the old barn – which he used as a workshop rather
than a traditional barn. Once flames quickly began to spread and increase
in strength, he immediately knew he would be unable to enter the barn
and stayed close to his house waiting as firefighters quickly arrived
on scene.
Once on scene, firefighters were able to get equipment up the hill and
stretch five-inch supply hose from Guymard Turnpike below. The fire was
quickly contained, as well as a brush fire that briefly encroached on
nearby grassy areas. The fire was out by about 5 p.m.
Units on scene were Huguenot, Cuddebackville, Port Jervis, Sparrowbush,
and Westbrookville Fire Departments, as well as police and ambulance personnel.
