| Around 9:50 AM this past Saturday, Croton's Bravest were called to the 1800 block of Half Moon Bay Drive for a report of an odor of smoke with sprinkler activation. Responding volunteers anticipated finding a fire either contained or extinguished by the sprinkler system, but what they would find was completely unexpected.
Arriving first were Cars 2082, 2083 and 2084 along with Engines 119, 120 and Rescue 18. The initial report was of a small fire in the basement that had been extinguished by the sprinkler system. Command (A/C Colombo) requested the crew of Engine 119 to investigate and verify the fire was out.
Upon making entry, the crew confirmed a small fire that was extinguished by the sprinkler system. However, they also located multiple different chemicals and other hazards in the home, prompting the operation to switch gears to a defensive, hazardous materials operation.
Car 2082 (A/C Mansfield) assumed Command and placed A/C Colombo as the Operations Officer. He then requested the Hazardous Materials Team from the Montrose VA Hospital Fire Department, as well as EMS to stage. E119 picked up a hydrant and stretched a precautionary hose line and E120 did the same in the rear.
As time progressed, the scene became one of a potentially criminal nature, so FD operations supported that of the Croton and New York State Police. Additional resources from the NYS Police, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Westchester County Hazardous Materials Team, Buchanan & Montrose Fire Departments would also be called to assist.
While Haz-Mat experts made multiple entries and investigated the home, CFD personnel provided support, a FAS Team and evacuated several buildings in the adjoining area. A perimeter of about 2000 feet was established as a precaution.
During the incident, which kept CFD volunteers and other agencies on scene for nearly 17 hours straight, coverage in Croton was provided by the Verplanck and Yorktown Heights Fire Departments. The Verplanck Engine Company handled a Residential Alarm while our units remained committed to this scene.
A total of about 50 Croton FD volunteers rotated and operated at the scene throughout the night, continuing support of the investigation and providing lighting.
The original fire incident appeared to be accidental, and the mystery chemicals found continue to be investigated by law enforcement agencies.
This incident proves - once again - that all first responders should never take anything for granted and be prepared for the worst.
Fortunately no injuries occurred to any civilians of first responders. |
