(PHOTO: Captain Cristian Acevedo and Firefighter Kyle Wagman)
Check out this report Rye FD shared with us about a chimney fire they knocked down on Clark Lane. Thirty firefighters were on the scene:
RYE FIRE DEPARTMENT FIGHTS EARLY MORNING CHIMENY FIRE
(December 26, 2013 Rye, NY) The Rye Fire Department was dispatched to a reported chimney fire at 1 Clark Lane (off Forest Ave). The homeowner awoke in the middle of the night to find smoke coming from walls surrounding the chimney and promptly called 911. The homeowners without hesitation exited the house and awaited the arrival of firefighters.
(PHOTO: Firefighters gather on the front lawn.)
Thankfully, Rye Firefighters arrived quickly and found smoke pouring out of the chimney. Firefighters entered the home to find heavy smoke on the first and second floors. When firefighters began to open up the walls on the first floor, they found flames shooting from the area around the chimney. Rye Fire Department Chief Mike Taylor then requested a “10-75” Working fire assignment, bringing additional manpower from The Harrison Fire Department and The Mamaroneck Town Fire Department to the scene. Harrison firefighters assisted with ventilation while Mamaroneck Town firefighters were requested to operate as a Firefighter Assist Search Team (F.A.S.T). Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook Emergency Medical Services and The Rye Police Department were also requested to the scene.
Firefighters stretched two hose lines, one to the first floor and one to the second. Ground and aerial ladders were also used to access the roof and chimney. All visible fire was quickly knocked down and was contained to the first floor. Firefighters used Thermal Imaging Cameras (T.I.C.) to search for “hot spots” inside the walls. Fortunately, the fire did not extend to the second floor.
(PHOTO: Firefighter Colin Leslie and Chief Mike Taylor.)
Approximately, 30 firefighters and 10 apparatus were used on scene. The Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department and The Port Chester Fire Department were placed on standby in Rye Fire Department Headquarters to cover any other calls in the Rye Fire District. Unfortunately, one firefighter was injured and taken to a local hospital. That firefighter was released from the hospital a few hours later.
The exact cause of this fire is still under investigation. However, these types of emergencies highlight the need for homeowners to have their chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected by a chimney sweep annually. The Rye Fire Department suggests that all homeowners have all of their chimneys cleaned and inspected by a licensed and insured chimney sweep annually.
The Rye Fire Department dates to 1886 and is staffed by volunteer and career firefighters. The department an- swered over 1400 calls last year. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. All training and equipment is supplied by the department. Contact us if you are interested in donating a few hours a year to protect your family and neighbors, see our web page: http://www.ryefire.com/ for recruiting and department news.
