Croton's Bravest Operate at Briarcliff 2nd Alarm Fire

Following a night of fairly strong thunderstorms and heavy rain, which included a few local emergency responses, the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department, along with Millwood FD, were dispatched to the reported Structure Fire in Briarcliff Manor just after 5:30 AM Wednesday. Car 2083 and Engine 119 with eight members turned out as the initial FASTeam.

Briarcliff units arrived to heavy fire showing from a Spa Business on Pleasantville Road and upgraded to the "10-75" Working Fire assignment. On Engine 119's arrival, the team conducted 360 size-ups of the building, placed ladders to the second floor for emergency egress, coordinated ventilation / window clearing with interior crews and positioned to maintain eyes on the fire conditions.

On the arrival of an additional FASTeam from Thornwood, Briarcliff Command requested our assistance with fire suppression efforts. Members went to work on both floors, extinguishing fire as well as opening up and checking for extension. Our members addressed active fire on both levels, encountering high heat and zero visibility conditions at times. The combination of these fire conditions, plus the heat, humidity and - at times - heavy rainfall - taxed the initial companies, bringing in a full Second Alarm for relief personnel.

Croton members worked alongside Briarcliff Manor, Chappaqua, Millwood, Ossining, Pleasantville, Pocantico Hills, Port Chester and Thornwood volunteers for nearly three hours before returning to our district.

No injuries to civilians of Firefighters were reported.

Thanks to JT Camp for most photos.