Just after 6:30 AM on Thursday 4/14, the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department's volunteers were dispatched to a residential fire alarm in the Scenic Ridge Townhouses on the north end of the village. A "Minor Alarm" response of the First Due Engine (Engine 119), the Tower Ladder (TL44) and Rescue (R18) was dispatched.

Upon the arrival of E119, they reported nothing visible from the exterior of a three-story Type 5 (wood frame) "middle of the row" town house unit, and staged at a hydrant. After giving the report, 60 Control (our dispatchers at Westchester County Fire Control) gave an update that the homeowner was now reporting a popping noise and smoke coming from the basement. Based on this, Deputy Chief John Munson (2089) requested the assignment to be upgraded to a "Full Department Response" and established "Lark Lane Command."

The six-member crew of E119 split up, with four members going inside to investigate while the remaining two secured the hydrant. The crew was met with a steam condition in the basement, caused by a malfunction of the boiler's relief valve. Once the unit was turned off, a fan was set up in the front door to help draw the steam and hot, moist air from the home. At this point, Command placed the situation under control and returned the incoming apparatus with the exception of Engine 118, in order to obtain a second reading for any potential gas or Carbon Monoxide from the malfunctioning appliance.

The home was vented, the appliance turned off and the occupant and her small child were allowed back in their home prior to our units clearing the scene around 7:05 AM.