A house fire that broke out Friday evening on Fox Hill Road displaced a family, injured one firefighter and prompted a three-alarm response that drew mutual aid from more than a dozen agencies.
The Plattekill Fire Department was dispatched to 98 Fox Hill Road at approximately 9 p.m. Friday. The first unit on scene reported flames and smoke coming from the garage area, along with a significant column of smoke, and the incident was quickly upgraded to a second alarm. Reports that an elderly resident may still have been inside the home prompted a third alarm.
Arriving crews found heavy fire involving a large portion of the residence and immediately began search and rescue operations. EMS personnel and command staff confirmed all residents had safely exited the home. Firefighters also rescued multiple pets from the structure before worsening conditions and structural concerns forced crews to pull back and shift to defensive operations from outside the fully involved residence.
A partial collapse occurred at the rear of the home.
Because of the rural location and extent of the fire, tanker shuttle operations were established using portable tanks and remote water sources. Tankers from Modena, Wallkill and Orange Lake were among those that responded. Central Hudson was called to cut power to the property.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 12:39 a.m. Saturday. One firefighter sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to Vassar Brothers Medical Center. The scene was released to the homeowner at approximately 2:34 a.m.
The occupants were displaced. Temporary housing was coordinated through family, friends and the American Red Cross.
Assisting agencies included the Modena, Wallkill, Clintondale, Gardiner, Marlboro, New Paltz, Cronomer Valley, Coldenham, New York Air National Guard, Goodwill, Orange Lake, Montgomery and Pine Bush fire departments; Wallkill Ambulance; Town of Newburgh EMS; Ulster and Orange County fire coordinators; Town of Plattekill and Town of Newburgh police; the Fire Investigation Unit; Orange County Sheriff's Office; Central Hudson; Plattekill Fire Department Auxiliary; and the American Red Cross.
The Hudson Valley Arson and Explosive Task Force is investigating. The cause of the fire has not been determined.