A two-alarm fire, shortly before dawn on Easter Sunday, left one Walden family homeless
On March 31, Walden Fire Department was dispatched at 6:11 a.m. to a reported structure fire at 54 Walnut Street. Upon arrival, units found a two-and-a-half-story residence fully engulfed in flames, prompting the request for a Second Alarm and the activation of Mutual Aid.
Assisting Walden FD were units from Coldenham, Montgomery, Maybrook, Newburgh FAST TEAM, Pine Bush, Wallkill , and Orange Lake, with Winona Lake and Crooner Valley units placed on standby. Thirty minutes into the operation, a status check revealed that four lines had been stretched and the bulk of the fire was knocked down.
Further resources were called to the scene, including Orange County Fire Investigator, Walden Police, Town of Montgomery Emergency Medical Service , and New York State Electric and Gas to cut power. Orange and Ulster County Deputy Fire Coordinators and the Orange County Sheriff Department, along with an Arson Canine, were also present.
Firefighters utilized hand lines and tools to access the roof and bring the fire under control. Status checks ceased fifty minutes after initial arrival, but major overhaul operations were ongoing as the fire was under investigation.
Ground ladders were positioned around the residence for additional access and safety. The situation is currently being investigated for further details regarding the cause of the fire.
The fire left the Michael Ford family homeless. Village of Montgomery Trustee Randi Picarello has organized a GoFundMe Drive to help Ford, a retired employee of the Village of Montgomery Department of Public Works.
“Early this morning, their home burned down,” Picarello wrote. “Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, but with nothing, literally barefoot. They followed all fire safety instructions to get out quickly and safely, and now they need our help. We have reached out to all of the other proper channels to provide guidance and assistance, but these things take time.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/fknzn5-the-ford-family?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-ai-sheet&utm_content=share_ai_integrated&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer