MILAN – Eight fire departments were needed to battle a house fire Monday afternoon in Milan. The structure was built in 1900 and was being renovated prior to the start of the fire. The house at 345 Fitzsimmons Road, on the Columbia County line was completely destroyed in the fire that was reported at 1:30 p.m.
When the first arriving fire officers arrived, they reported a fully involved blaze with flames stretching from the ground through the roof and immediately requested a second alarm for additional manpower and equipment from neighboring departments.
The fire was endangering a barn, garage, RV camper, and several vehicles. A third alarm was sounded, bringing even more firefighters to the scene, according to Milan Fire Chief Kurt Mizgier.
Mizgier noted that contractors restoring the house were able to rescue three pet dogs from the burning building. No injuries were sustained by civilians or firefighters.
Chief Mizgier credited the “teamwork displayed by all of the fire departments involved needs to be recognized. The men and women worked together flawlessly. The Milan Fire Department is also thankful for our neighbors that came to our aid.”
Assisting Milan at the scene were the Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Livingston, Tivoli, Hillside, Pine Plains, and Stanford fire departments. The Rhinecliff and East Clinton fire departments relocated manpower and equipment to the Milan fire stations to respond to any additional calls for service.
Mizgier noted that the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division is investigating the origin of the fire that does not appear to be suspicious in nature.
