At 8:43 PM on this unusually warm November night, a Full Department Response - with a Ladder Company from Ossining Fire Department - was dispatched to Pronto Pizza at 440 South Riverside Avenue for smoke in the building.

Upon the arrival of Car 2081 (Chief Vlad) and Car 2083 (Asst. Chief Colombo), they confirmed a light smoke condition in the front of the restaurant. Command directed Tanker 10 to standby at a hydrant and send their crew to the roof along with the crew of Utility 14. Personnel from Engine 120 and Rescue 18 went into the restaurant to investigate. Command had Ladder 41 set up on the A-side of the building and "stick the roof."

Using a portable ladder from Engine 120, as well asthe aerial ladder of OFD's Ladder 41, members assigned to the roof located an overheated air conditioner. The unit was turned off and power to it was disabled from within the building. The motor housing was opened up to allow the unit to cool off, which was reaching temperatures of nearly 500 degrees according to our Thermal Imaging Camera.

This automatic response with the Ossining Ladder is in place to ensure we have at least one aerial device at larger buildings in town. Usually we would have our TL44 there giving us two Ladder Companies, but ours is currently out of service awaiting repair of the fuel tank. The department has a number of special assignments in place which include an Extra Ladder in some areas, as well as additional Tankers in some others.

Thanks to the OFD for their assistance. A total of over 30 volunteers was on scene from the CFD and OFD.