TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Sunday’s drenching rainfall caused substantial damage throughout the Hudson Valley, including a partial collapse of a residential structure in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Firefighters from the Arlington Fire District worked in drenching rain for more than two hours to prevent the 40-year-old raised ranch from completely collapsing.
Fire officials at the scene said that a resident in the home heard a “cracking” sound a few times during the day and noticed that the floor was starting to sag, prompting a call to 911.
Arlington’s career firefighters arrived and began an assessment. Water appeared to be entering the basement of the dwelling from the rear of the house that was built into a hill. In the basement, a firefighter removed the pegboard wall covering, revealing several major cracks in the foundation, with water flowing into the residence. The residents and firefighters were ordered to evacuate.
The Arlington Fire District “Special Operations” team used a variety of shoring equipment to prevent a complete collapse of the home.
No injuries were reported at the scene.
