Photo: Tetra images RF
HYDE PARK – A Thursday afternoon house fire required several fire departments and dozens of firefighters to extinguish the flames at 7 Sucato Drive in Hyde Park. Getting water to the firefighters was a challenge due to the secluded location and lack of hydrants.
The Roosevelt Fire Department responded to the call around 4:00 p.m. Thursday, according to Chief Lew Darrow. Once the blaze was confirmed, Darrow requested additional departments and manpower to the scene to control the flames. “Given the lack of hydrants, we needed to bring additional engines and water tankers to the scene to get water to the secluded house,” said the Chief.
Firefighters and apparatus from Hyde Park, Arlington, Fairview, Pleasant Valley, Hillside, East Clinton, and West Clinton fire departments battled warm, humid weather in addition to the fire for hours before it was declared extinguished.
The design of the single-family dwelling with an attached apartment and garage allowed the fire to travel through the floor and walls undetected, only to reappear in another location, causing firefighters to “chase” the flames for an extended period of time.
According to Chief Darrow, the initial crews were slowed by the excessive humidity that forced firefighters to take rests in the front yard. Many of the men and women removed their bulky gear and sat drinking water for several minutes while the second wave of firefighters took over the battle.
Two firefighters sustained minor burns during the operation and a third was transported to Mid Hudson Regional Hospital for a heat-related illness.
The residents were able to evacuate the dwelling without injury and the American Red Cross was summoned to provide assistance to the displaced. The interior of the structure sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage. The Hyde Park Building Inspector was at the scene and declared the building uninhabitable.
The Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division arrived at the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. It remains under investigation.
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com