HUDSON – A fire at a six-unit apartment duplex building displaced between 15 and 17 people on Saturday afternoon, according to Hudson Fire Chief Anthony DeMarco, Jr.
Columbia County 911 dispatched the Hudson and Greenport fire departments to a reported structure fire at 223-225 Allen Street at 4:10 pm on Saturday. Hudson Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Hoffman arrived first and confirmed a heavy smoke condition with flames coming from the second and third-floor windows of the wood-frame, three-story, multi-family dwelling.
Hudson’s first arriving engine immediately went to work and made an aggressive attack into the 2nd and 3rd floors while Tower Ladder 32 went to the roof and ventilated. When the roof was opened up, firefighters found heavy fire in the attic.Firefighters encountered plaster and lath ceilings on the third floor, allowing for quick access to the common attic and knocking down the fire. When the fire was completely extinguished, extensive overhaul operations began to make sure a fire could not rekindle.
Chief DeMarco said “The crews made a hell of a stop, given the advanced fire conditions and the size and age of the building. I could see the column from the opposite side of the city when I was en-route.”
The chief credited several agencies for getting the bulk of the fire under control within 45 minutes. Assisting the Hudson firefighters at the scene were the Greenport, Claverack, Stottville, and Germantown fire departments as well as Catskill Fire Department from Greene County. Overhaul operations lasted for several hours.
The Greenport Rescue Squad was on scene to help firefighters recover from the heat conditions.
The Athens and Stottville fire departments relocated additional apparatus in the City of Hudson to handle any calls while Hudson handled the fire.
Mayor Kamal Johnson was at the fire on Saturday and praised the efforts of the first responders. In a statement on social media, Johnson said “I want to give a huge shout out to our local firefighters. I witnessed firsthand your selflessness and professionalism. The quick response of our department and surrounding departments saved many lives today. Thank you to all involved. My thoughts are with the displaced families I will continue to do everything in my power to help.”
The City of Hudson Police Department’s Fire Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the six displaced families.
